Snacks
When it comes to snacking, convince is a must. Many times, people turn to convince, picking easy snacks like cereal bars and flavored yogurts, however, many of these easy on the go snacks are not the best for your little one. Below are some common misconceptions on snacks & their healthier alternatives.
1. Granola Bars
Quaker Oats Bar:
Expectation:
The bar is healthy because the company advertises the bars as 100% whole grain
Reality:
- Have a super long list of ingredients including: corn syrup
- Total of 8 grams of sugar for a 24 gram bar!
-Only 1 gram of protein!
RxBars:
Expectation:
The bars are healthy because of small list of wholesome ingredients
Reality:
- Easily recognized ingredients, like nuts and dates
- 0 grams of added sugars
- 7 grams of protein
Both of these bars are easy on the go snacks, however, when you look closer, the RxBar clearly trumps the quaker oats bar.
Expectation:
The bar is healthy because the company advertises the bars as 100% whole grain
Reality:
- Have a super long list of ingredients including: corn syrup
- Total of 8 grams of sugar for a 24 gram bar!
-Only 1 gram of protein!
RxBars:
Expectation:
The bars are healthy because of small list of wholesome ingredients
Reality:
- Easily recognized ingredients, like nuts and dates
- 0 grams of added sugars
- 7 grams of protein
Both of these bars are easy on the go snacks, however, when you look closer, the RxBar clearly trumps the quaker oats bar.
2. Fruit Juices
Capri Sun:
Expectation:
Drinks are healthy because they have 25% less sugar & no artificial sweeteners.
Reality:
- Second ingredient is High Fructose Corn Syrup!
- Fruit juice falls at the bottom of the ingredients list!
- 13 grams of sugar per pouch!
Apple & Eve:
Expectation:
Drinks are healthy because they contain fruits & vegetables.
Reality:
- 100% Fruit & Vegetable Juice
- Lower sugar than juices that just contain fruit
- Apple flavor contains 1/3 less sugar than apple juice & 70% more Vitamin C
Both of these juices are trying to appeal to their consumer (for example: advertising to have less sugar) however, when the consumer looks at the fine print, the Apple & Eve juice clearly trumps the Capri Sun!
Expectation:
Drinks are healthy because they have 25% less sugar & no artificial sweeteners.
Reality:
- Second ingredient is High Fructose Corn Syrup!
- Fruit juice falls at the bottom of the ingredients list!
- 13 grams of sugar per pouch!
Apple & Eve:
Expectation:
Drinks are healthy because they contain fruits & vegetables.
Reality:
- 100% Fruit & Vegetable Juice
- Lower sugar than juices that just contain fruit
- Apple flavor contains 1/3 less sugar than apple juice & 70% more Vitamin C
Both of these juices are trying to appeal to their consumer (for example: advertising to have less sugar) however, when the consumer looks at the fine print, the Apple & Eve juice clearly trumps the Capri Sun!
3. Crackers
Goldfish:
Expectation:
Goldfish are healthy because they contain real cheddar, 0 grams of sugar & are a staple in most households.
Reality:
- Enriched White Flour: First ingredient that can lead to long term digestive problems
- Contains Autolyzed Yeast...code for MSG: an addictive ingredient that can affect the brain
-Not listed on the package: Glyphosate, a cancer causing ingredient
Mary's Gone Crackers:
Expectation:
Mary's are healthy because they are organic, gluten free, non-gmo, whole grain, & vegan.
Reality:
- Small list of real, natural ingredients
- 0 Grams of added sugar
- Whole grain flour & Quinoa: Both great whole grains!
Both of these crackers are easy on the go snacks, however, Mary's Gone Crackers contain real, whole grain, ingredients, unlike Goldfish. Therefore, Mary's Gone Crackers are the healthier alternative.
Expectation:
Goldfish are healthy because they contain real cheddar, 0 grams of sugar & are a staple in most households.
Reality:
- Enriched White Flour: First ingredient that can lead to long term digestive problems
- Contains Autolyzed Yeast...code for MSG: an addictive ingredient that can affect the brain
-Not listed on the package: Glyphosate, a cancer causing ingredient
Mary's Gone Crackers:
Expectation:
Mary's are healthy because they are organic, gluten free, non-gmo, whole grain, & vegan.
Reality:
- Small list of real, natural ingredients
- 0 Grams of added sugar
- Whole grain flour & Quinoa: Both great whole grains!
Both of these crackers are easy on the go snacks, however, Mary's Gone Crackers contain real, whole grain, ingredients, unlike Goldfish. Therefore, Mary's Gone Crackers are the healthier alternative.