Less Is More - Ingredients To Avoid So You Can Have A Truly Sweet Snack

We all know that healthy eating is important – both for kids and adults. But we're human, which means that sometimes the sweet tooth takes over. And whether it's you or your kids reaching for the cookies it's important to keep an eye out for good ingredients to make the most out of snack time. So instead of rattling off a list of what you can and can't have, we've picked out a few ingredients you should probably avoid, and included a few of our favorite snack selections too. 

Artificial Colors and Flavors

Artificial colors and flavors abound in snack foods. From the oft-questioned caramel color to vanillin (fake vanilla flavor), artificial colors and flavors are commonly linked with ADD and ADHD. They have also been linked to migraines, allergies and maybe even cancer. In fact, many of these artificial ingredients are banned in other countries and are even referred to as the "rainbow of risk."

TBHQ

Also known as tert-Butylhydroquinone, TBHQ is a preservative that is commonly used in processed foods, like those cookies and crackers we all love so much. It's a form of butane (yes, the stuff you use for your camping stove) that greatly extends the shelf life of all types of food. And, while it is frequently found in edible items, it is also used in cosmetics and skincare products, varnish, lacquers and resins – definitely not good or good for you.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Not a day goes by that the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) debate doesn't occur. But why? Some will insist that it's natural and no different than cane sugar. But the fact of the matter is that HFCS is a food product that is created through the use of a chemical enzymatic process. It consists of a 55-45 fructose to glucose ratio that requires no digestion and is therefore rapidly absorbed into your blood stream, triggering lipogenesis (fatty liver), among other negative reactions.

So what should you snack on? Foods containing ingredients you know and understand. Donsuemor, for example, has been making delicious madeleines in the United States for nearly 40 years using basic, high quality ingredients like flour, sugar, butter and eggs. They come in traditional, chocolate dipped, lemon zest and even vanilla glazed varieties and they also make a mean biscotti. Another favorite is Nature's Bakery Fig Bars. These little nuggets of goodness are all-natural, kosher, dairy- and cholesterol-free, and are made by a father-son team using stone ground whole wheat flour, dried cane syrup and real fruit. They come in a two-pack and are offered in an array of flavors ranging from blueberry to peach apricot. Angie's Boom Chicka Pop popcorn is another amazing option that comes in lots of flavors to satisfy both sweet and salt lovers' appetites. The Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn for example, contains only popcorn, sunflower oil, evaporated cane crystals and sea salt. Easy to understand, easy to digest.