This story has been updated since it was originally posted on 01/24/2023 to include more expert insight.
When it’s time for a snack, the pantry is oftentimes one of the first places we look. From boxes of cereal to packs of instant noodles, you may choose to keep your pantry stocked with a number of foods–but, unfortunately, many of the most popular options are highly processed and therefore a terrible choice for your overall health. In fact, health experts warn that there are several pantry snacks you should avoid at all costs if you want to stay healthy, including three you may have stowed away on your own shelves right now: chips, cookies, and granola bars.
To learn more about why you should keep your intake of chips like Doritos, cookies like Oreos, and granola bars to a minimum, we spoke to nutritionists Trista Best from Balance One Supplements, Valeria Dolbel, founder of Beauty Diets, and Dr. Shara Cohen, founder and director of Cancer Care Parcel. They broke down the health effects of the harmful processed ingredients in these foods, from high blood sugar to weight gain. Find all of their insight below!
Doritos and other chips
As tasty as a salty, crunchy snack like Doritos can be, Best says chips like these are terrible for your overall health–especially when it comes to your weight. "They are often fried, made with inflammatory omega-6 oils, refined carbohydrates, and a combination of fat and carbs that cause oxidative stress in the body," she says. Yikes!
Doritos, in particular, are definitely towards the top of the list as far as the worst chips for your health go. "Doritos are one of the worst types of chips to consume, regardless of flavor,” Best warns. This is largely because they are “made with artificial colors and flavors along with refined carbs.” And when you consume processed ingredients like this, your body will undergo a “rapid increase in glucose,” which she explains “increases the body’s fat-storing rate.”
Additionally, part of what makes Doritos so dangerous is the fact that they’re so delicious and, frankly, addicting. Best points out that they’re "easy to snack mindlessly due to their various flavors,” which means it’s hard for many of us to enjoy them in moderation, which should always be a priority when you’re snacking–especially on processed options.
Does all this mean you have to give up chips entirely? While they won’t ever be the best snack for your health, there are, at least, healthier options than Doritos. "When eating chips, if you must, it is best to opt for whole grain and baked options or to eat them pre portioned," Best suggests.
Cookies
Maybe you’re more of a lover of sweet things than you are of salty chips like Doritos. In this case, you might be more inclined to keep your pantry stocked with cookies (Oreos, anyone?). However, it’s probably not too surprising to hear that this sweet treat is also bad for your overall health. Store-bought cookies, along with pastries, pies, cakes, brownies, and anything else you might find in the Little Debby aisle, "are the food category that contributes the most calories accounted for added sugar intake yet provide little to no nutritional value,” Dolbel warns.
Just as chips do, these snacks contain a plethora of processed ingredients, from butter and sugar to refined flour–and the calorie content is no joke. Together, these factors are very likely to contribute to weight gain and other health issues. "Low fiber and highly refined grains increase the risk of weight gain and higher levels of belly fat," Dolbel says.
The good news is that there are plenty of natural snacks that can still satisfy your cravings for something sweet without putting your health at risk. One of the best options, as recommended by Dolbel, is to top some Greek yogurt with homemade granola. This delicious and nutritious snack can “aid in weight loss by controlling the portion size to ensure you will achieve all nutrients and keeps you full for a longer time."
Granola Bars
As healthy, convenient, and tasty as we think granola bars are, experts warn that they are one of the worst pantry snacks for your health, especially your belly weight. Dr. Cohen says "these seemingly harmless sweets include lots of added sugars, harmful fats, and refined carbohydrates. Sugar causes insulin surges and belly fat storage. Refined grains lack nutrition and might cause inflammation and weight gain." Instead, it's better to opt for snacks such as nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit that give us the energy we need along with the health benefits.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, what you put in your body is your decision. If you want to treat yourself to a few Oreos every now and then, we’re not going to stop you! If you don't have the time in your busy morning to make a healthy breakfast, a granola bar here and there won't hurt you too much. However, being aware of the health consequences at hand is an important part of taking care of your body. Just remember that moderation is always key, and your best bet is to fill your plate with nutritious, whole foods that will help you thrive from the inside out.
READ MORE: 4 Pantry Foods You Should Get Rid Of ASAP Because They Cause Instant Fat Gain
