Imagine yourself at the grocery store aisle, surrounded by an overwhelming number of vibrant packaged snacks. They promise satisfaction but not enough nutrients. Which ones should you avoid? Consider this list as you cheat sheet. Here are the 12 unhealthiest snacks on the planet today.
12. Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
Sometimes, simple snacks can be among the most deceptive. Lay’s Classic Potato Chips is one example. They have seemingly straightforward ingredients (potatoes, oil, and salt), but these chips are typically fried in vegetable oils. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contribute to inflammation in the body. High sodium content is also a problem and the lack of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
11. Hostess CupCakes
Hostess CupCakes’ primary ingredients are high corn fructose syrup, sugar, and enriched bleached flour. This combo means incredibly high amount of added sugars, which can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes. With around 19 grams of sugar per cupcake, regular consumption can result in weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
10. Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies
Beneath the soft, chewy exterior of this nostalgic treat lies a snack far from wholesome. These pies are also loaded with sugar in multiple forms: corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and regular sugar. Some varieties may also contain artificial flavors and colors, which offer no nutritional benefit. It’s one of those snacks best enjoyed sparingly, if at all.
9. Pringles Original
Think Pringles are made with real potatoes? We’re here to blow your mind. Pringles are actually highly-engineered and made from dehydrated potato flakes, starch, rice flour, and corn flour. So no, they don’t have the natural nutrients and fiber of real potatoes. Pringles are designed for maximum crunch, but minimal health benefits.
8. Mrs. Fields’ Cookie Cups
We can’t blame you if you love some of these gooey cookies. Honestly, they’re tempting! But here’s the truth: these cookie cups are basically a sugar bomb. Mrs. Field’s Semi Sweet Cookie Cup contains 40 grams of sugar. Grab one and it’s like eating 10 teaspoons of sugar in one go! If consumed regularly, it can lead to weight gain and even contribute to heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
7. Fruit Gushers
Don’t let the word “fruit” fool you. These fruit-flavored, chewy candies show us how marketing can mislead consumers. Looking at the ingredient, corn syrup, golden sugar, corn syrup solids, and fructose are high up on the list. It’s a snack that can trigger blood sugar spikes (and crashes), leaving you feeling irritable, tired, and craving even more sugary treats.
6. Twinkies
Ah, Twinkie. An American icon. A symbol of processed food that seems to have eternal shelf life. Each cake contains around 19 grams of sugar, and that’s how it contributes to blood sugar spikes. Twinkies also rely on unhealthy fats like palm oil, which can increase the risk of heart disease. And let’s not forget about the artificial colors (Yellow 5 and Yellow 6). These artificial dyes have been linked to behavioral issues in children.
5. Ruffles Queso Cheese Flavored Potato Chips
Ruffles Queso Cheese Flavored Potato Chips have taken snacking game to the next level by having a complex flavor. Sadly, this comes with a side of danger. Each serving contains over 200mg of sodium, and if you’re unlikely to stop at one serving, you’ll end up having high sodium intake. This often leads to elevated blood pressure, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Cheetos
Bright orange dust, cheesy flavor, and satisfying crunch. Cheetos are undeniably addictive. But what exactly are you putting in your body with each crunchy stick? The answer is refined cornmeal fried in a blend of unhealthy oils. Also, sodium—lots of it at 210mg per serving. Cheetos also uses Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 artificial dyes that are linked to hyperactivity and other behavioral issues.
3. OREOs
OREOs are a global hit and milk’s favorite cookie. But let’s be real, they’re not exactly a health food. The ingredient list for OREOs prominently displays sugar and high fructose corn syrup, contributing to 14 grams of sugar. The next time you dunk them the into your milk, remember that it’s like adding three teaspoons of sugar to your drink.
2. Doritos Nacho Cheese
Here’s another cheesy favorite that’s also a party staple. Similar to other chips on this list, Doritos Nacho Cheese are fried in a blend of unhealthy vegetable oils. So in excess, they contribute to inflammation in the body. Another red flag is the sodium content (210mg in 11 to 12 chips). And another one: the presence of Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 artificial colors.
1. Kellogg’s Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts
Yup, the quintessential breakfast pastry is another sugar bomb that’s wrapped in refined flour. When you have a single serving for breakfast (two pastries), you already ingested over seven teaspoons of sugar! The pastries are also made with enriched flour, with not enough fiber or nutrients. With Pop-Tarts, you’ll also be having artificial colors for breakfast, including Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 6.