It seems they’re everywhere, from over-the-top advertisements in our favorite stores to simply sitting on our co-workers’ desks. However, some of those treats are the worst things you can put in your body.
The good news, there are healthier replacements that aren’t nearly as bad. At the end of the day, there’s nothing “wrong” with having a few of them every once in a while.
Tara Zamani, M.S., C.N.S., a clinical nutritionist with Content Checked recently spoke with MSN.com to explain why certain treats are virtually a “no no”; yet, gave their healthier alternatives. Here’s the list of what Zamani came up with:
Worst: Reeses Peanut Butter Cup
Given their non-organic, GMO peanuts, refined sugar, and perservatives, these candies get a “thumbs down”. In fact, just one package 13 grams of fat and 21 grams of sugar. Zamani reports that eating these on a regular basis can especially put kids at risk of being overweight or developing Diabetes.
Alternative: Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
“Justin’s creamy, chocolate peanut butter cups are gluten-free and made with organic ingredients,” Zamani said. “These treats are a much healthier version of the traditional Reese’s Peanut Butter cups as the peanuts in these are organic, non- GMO and there are no preservatives or trans fats.”
Worst: Pumpkin Oreo Cookies
“This treat is highly processed as it contains enriched wheat flour, artificial colors and flavors, synthetic vitamins, high-fructose corn syrup, and loads of sugar — 12 grams for two cookies,” Zamani said. “Nowhere in the ingredient list does it list pumpkin. A combination of these ingredients can lead to an unbalanced blood sugar and indigestion, as our bodies have difficulty absorbing synthetic vitamins.”
Alternative: Nikki’s Halloween Candies
“These Halloween cookies are made of unbleached wheat flour, organic sugar and natural flavors,” Zamani said. Plus, they have no preservatives or artificial colors or flavors, which Zamani said makes them a healthier choice compared to Oreos.
Worst: Candy Corn
“This candy mainly consists of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup — the most refined type of sugar that is also genetically modified,” Zamani said. Not to mention, it’s made with artificial flavors and colors, which Zamani explained are especially problematic ingredients for kids with ADD, asthma and allergies.
Alternative: Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Treats
“These are a great alternative to candy corn as these candies are sweetened with organic tapioca syrup, grape juice and organic cane sugar, and colored with turmeric, black carrot juice and annatto,” Zamani said. “Natural colors and flavors may not cause the side effects that artificial colors and flavors do, like head or stomach aches.”
Worst: Skittles
These rainbow-colored candies are made with high-fructose corn syrup, more refined sugar, hydrogenated palm oil, and artificial colors and flavors, all of which Zamani definitely doesn’t approve of. She noted that some of these ingredients may be linked to hyperactivity, food allergies and even cancer.
Alternative: Annie’s Organic Fruit Snacks
“These are free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup and are made with organic natural sweeteners and organic sunflower oil,” Zamani said. “Annie’s fruit snacks are a good alternative to traditional Skittles for satisfying that ‘taste of the rainbow’ craving.”
Worst: Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops
Because they are sticky and waxy, Zamani said these candies are some of the worst for your teeth. Plus, she also mentioned that they’re made of not-so-nutritious ingredients like hydrogenated soybean oil and artificial flavors and colors. Additionally, just six small Tootsie Roll pieces can contain about 20 grams of sugar. That’s pretty close to the amount that the American Heart Association says women should limit their intake to for just one day.
Alternative: YumEarth Organic Lollipops
“These lollipops are vegan, free of all allergens including gluten, free of high-fructose corn syrup, and free of artificial colors and flavors,” Zamani said. Plus, she pointed out, they’re made with all organic ingredients and real fruit extracts.”
Worst: StarBurst
“These processed fruit chews are full of artificial flavors and colors, trans fats, sugar, and are the worst candy for promoting tooth cavities and decay, as each packet of 10 contains 22 grams of sugar,” Zamani said. “These processed fruit chews are full of artificial flavors and colors, trans fats, sugar, and are the worst candy for promoting tooth cavities and decay as each packet of 10 contains 22 grams of sugar,” Zamani said. On top of that, Zamani added, Starburst can increase acidity in the mouth, which could break down tooth enamel.
Alternative: TruJoy Organic Fruit Chews
“These chews are made with all organic ingredients, natural flavors and colors, and don’t contain any high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, synthetic vitamins or hydrogenated oils,” Zamani said. “Plus, they are also gluten-free.”
