21 Sneaky Snacks that Look Delicious but Are Actually Terrible for Your Body

New research reveals that grown-ups consume as many calories from between-meal nibbles as a whole meal every single day. 

The findings, published in the scientific journal PLOS Global Public Health, raise concerns about the potential impact of snacking on health and weight management.¹

So it might be time to re-think those daily bags of chips or cookie breaks. Here are 21 snacks that you should avoid. 

1. Fruit Bars

Fruit bars are high in sugar and low in fiber, making them not very satisfying. They are essentially sugar bombs that can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, leaving you feeling unsatisfied and craving more.

2. Bottled Smoothies

Bottled smoothies are high in sugar and low in protein and fat, often lacking in balance and nutrition. They are made with added sugars and may not provide the same nutritional benefits as a homemade blend.

3. Granola Bars

Granola bars are often high in sugar and calories and may not contain actual granola, making them a less healthy snack option. They can be high in added sugars and may not provide the same nutritional benefits as whole grains and nuts.

4. Store-Bought Juices

Store-bought juices lack fiber and can be high in sugar, unlike whole fruits and vegetables. This lack of fiber can lead to digestive issues and a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them a less healthy option compared to eating whole fruits and vegetables.

5. Sugar-Free Candy

Sugar-free candy may contain artificial sweeteners that can negatively affect gut health. These sweeteners can alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to potential digestive issues and other health problems.

6. Snack Mixes

Snack mixes are often low in fiber and high in sodium due to the presence of refined grains and high-sodium seasonings. This can make them less nutritious and potentially contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and digestive problems if consumed excessively.

7. Bottled Teas

Bottled teas, especially those that are sweetened, can be high in added sugar and have a similar nutritional profile to soda. This can contribute to health issues like obesity and tooth decay if consumed excessively.

8. Chocolate- or Yogurt-Covered Nuts

Chocolate- or yogurt-covered nuts often contain added sugar, even if they are coated in healthier options like Greek yogurt or dark chocolate. This is because the coating process typically involves adding sugar to enhance the flavor and texture, making these snacks less healthy than they initially seem.

9. Yogurt-Covered Pretzels & Raisins

Yogurt-covered pretzels and raisins are high in calories and sugar, similar to milk chocolate-covered raisins. This is because the yogurt coating typically contains added sugar, and the pretzels and raisins themselves are high in carbohydrates, making these snacks a less healthy option for those watching their calorie and sugar intake.

10. Plant Milks

Plant milks, which are marketed as healthy alternatives to dairy, often contain added sugar, which can negate their health benefits. This added sugar can make them similar to traditional dairy products in terms of nutritional content, rather than providing a healthier option.

11. Breakfast Cereals

Breakfast cereals are often high in added sugar and low in essential nutrients like protein and fiber, making them a less-than-ideal choice for a nutritious breakfast. This is because many cereals are designed to be sweet and appealing to children, leading to a high sugar content and a lack of nutritional value.

12. Veggie Chips

Veggie chips, which are often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, may have a similar nutrient profile due to the addition of dehydrated powders. This means that while they may be made from vegetables, the processing and added ingredients can result in a product that is no healthier than traditional potato chips.

13. Ancient Grain Snacks

Ancient grain snacks can be similar to traditional corn-based snacks in terms of nutritional content, as the processing and refining of ancient grains can strip away important nutrients. This means that the perceived health benefits of ancient grains may not be as healthy as advertised.

14. Legume Snacks

Legume snacks, such as roasted chickpeas or edamame, may not be substantially healthier than traditional corn-based snacks due to the addition of high amounts of salt and oil during the processing and seasoning. While legumes themselves are a nutritious food, the final product can be high in calories and low in essential nutrients.

15. Live Culture Snacks

Live culture snacks, which claim to provide health benefits from the presence of live cultures, have not been scientifically proven to have any major health benefits. These snacks can be misleading, as the benefits of live cultures are still being researched and the claims made about them may not be supported by scientific evidence.

16. Candy-Coated Nuts

While often marketed as a healthy snack option, these can be deceivingly unhealthy due to their high content of added sugar and calories, making them more akin to candy than a nutritious snack.

17. Fruit-Flavored Yogurt

Despite their healthy-sounding fruit flavors, many varieties of fruit-flavored yogurts are actually packed with added sugar and low in protein and fiber, meaning they won’t keep you satisfied or fueled for very long.

18. Granola-Style Snacks

Despite their healthy-sounding name, many “granola-style” snacks are high in sugar and calories and may not actually contain granola, making them a poor choice for a snack if you’re trying to eat healthfully.

19. Crackers with Added Sugars

While crackers can seem like a healthy, convenient snack option, many contain added sugars, which can increase your sugar intake and make them less nutritious than they appear.

20. Snack Bars

These are often high in sugar and calories and may not provide the nutrients they claim. This is because many snack bars contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, making them a less-than-ideal choice for a nutritious snack.

21. Energy Bars

Energy bars are designed to provide a boost of energy, but they are often high in sugar, calories, and may not provide the nutrients they advertise. While energy bars may contain additional ingredients like protein or caffeine, the high-sugar content is a less-than-ideal choice for a healthy energy boost.

These unhealthy snacks can lead to long-term health issues and a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Always read the labels and choose whole, nutrient-dense foods whenever possible.

Source:

1. https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0000802