Unhealthy Snacks, and Their Healthy Alternatives
Here are some of the top unhealthy snacks, along with healthier alternatives.
Important Note: Yuka is a completely unbiased platform. They never accept payments to favor or rate any product higher than another, ensuring that all their recommendations are honest and trustworthy.
Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers
Bad (0/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Sodium Phosphate, Annatto)
- High Saturated Fat
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
- High Sodium
Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers may seem like a convenient and tasty snack, but they come with some notable downsides. According to Yuka, these crackers scored a 0 out of 100, which is pretty eye-opening. One of the major concerns is the additives, like sodium phosphate and annatto, which are used for texture and color but don’t offer any real health benefits. Sodium phosphate, for example, can negatively impact kidney health when consumed in large amounts. These crackers are also high in saturated fat, calories, and sodium — all of which are concerning, especially given that most people snack on more than just the recommended serving size. It’s easy to keep munching away, but those extra bites pack in even more empty calories and salt, offering little to no nutritional value in return. If you're looking for a snack that satisfies your cravings without all the health drawbacks, check out some healthier alternatives listed below!
Turtle Chex Mix
Bad (0/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Allura Red AC, TBHQ, Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Mineral Oil, Acacia Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate)
- High Saturated Fat
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
- High Sodium
- High Sugar
Turtle Chex Mix is a snack that may sound like a sweet and savory treat, but there’s a lot hiding beneath its crunchy surface. With a Yuka score of 0/100, this mix has raised some serious concerns. For starters, it contains a number of additives like Allura Red AC, TBHQ, and mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which are ingredients often flagged for their potential health risks. These additives can have various effects on our bodies, from triggering allergic reactions to contributing to long-term health issues like heart disease.
Another red flag is the high levels of saturated fat, calories, sodium, and sugar. And let's be honest — who actually sticks to the recommended serving size with a snack this tasty? The result? You end up consuming more calories and sodium than you realize, which isn’t great for your heart or waistline. The mix may be tempting, but it’s not doing much to fuel your body with any real nutrients. It’s definitely a snack you’ll want to enjoy sparingly, or better yet, check out some healthier alternatives below!
Doritos (Nacho Cheese)
Bad (5/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF, Allura Red AC, Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium Guanylate, Artificial Flavoring)
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
- High Sodium
Doritos Nacho Cheese is one of those snacks that brings instant nostalgia for many of us—whether you were sneaking a bag into a movie theater or enjoying it with friends during a game night. But let’s be honest, while they’re incredibly tempting, they’re not the best option for your health. According to Yuka, Doritos Nacho Cheese scores a low 5/100, and for good reason. They contain a host of additives like Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF, and Allura Red AC, all of which are artificial colorings linked to potential health concerns, such as hyperactivity in children and possible allergic reactions. Not to mention, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Disodium Guanylate enhance the flavor, but these additives may trigger headaches or other sensitivities for some people.
The high calorie content paired with low nutritional value also makes these chips less than ideal, especially when you consider how easy it is to eat way more than the serving size. The sodium content is another issue—high levels can contribute to high blood pressure, and let’s be real, who stops at just a handful of chips? It’s easy to blow through a bag and consume far more sodium than you realize.
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives that don’t sacrifice flavor, check out the suggestions below!
Cheetos (Crunchy)
Bad (1/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Sunset Yellow FCF, Monosodium Glutamate, Artificial Flavoring)
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
- High Sodium
- High Saturated Fat
If you're like me, you've probably found yourself reaching for a bag of Cheetos Crunchy at least once. That bright orange snack has a way of calling out to you, especially when you’re craving something savory and crunchy. But, here’s the thing – while they might satisfy that craving in the moment, Cheetos Crunchy comes with some not-so-great baggage. According to the Yuka app, they scored a 1 out of 100, which isn’t just low – it’s alarmingly bad.
Let’s break it down. First off, they’re packed with additives like Sunset Yellow FCF, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and artificial flavoring. While these additives help make the snack colorful and addictive, they’ve been flagged as potentially harmful over time, particularly with regular consumption. Plus, the high calories and sodium levels are definitely worth noting. Let’s be real, who stops at just one serving? So, that calorie count and sodium intake add up fast, potentially leading to issues like high blood pressure. And don’t get me started on the high saturated fat – it’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook, but over time, it can contribute to heart health problems.
But don’t worry, if you're still craving a crunchy snack, we’ve got some healthier alternatives lined up below! Keep reading to check them out!
Clif Bar Chocolate Almond Fudge Energy Bar
Bad (18/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Dicalcium Phosphate)
- High Sugar
- High Calories
The Clif Bar Chocolate Almond Fudge Energy Bar is a popular choice for a quick snack, especially when you need something to fuel a workout or give you a midday boost. It’s rich and flavorful, combining the deliciousness of chocolate with the nuttiness of almonds, which makes it pretty tempting. However, when we dig a little deeper into its nutritional profile, it’s clear why it might not be the healthiest option out there. According to Yuka, this bar received a low score of 18 out of 100, mainly due to three key problem areas.
First, the bar contains dicalcium phosphate, an additive that’s often used as a calcium supplement, but in processed foods, it can be unnecessary and hard for the body to absorb efficiently. Secondly, it’s pretty high in calories for a snack, which might not be ideal if you're trying to watch your daily intake. Lastly—and most concerning—is its high sugar content. While sugar can give you an energy spike, it also leads to crashes later, which defeats the purpose of sustained energy.
If you're looking to make healthier snack choices without sacrificing taste, check out some alternative options below!
Combos (Cheddar Cheese)
Bad (0/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF, Brilliant Blue FCF, Disodium Diphosphate, Annatto, Sodium Bicarbonate)
- High Saturated Fat
- High Sodium
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
Combos Cheddar Cheese might be a fun, crunchy snack that many of us reach for during road trips or when craving something cheesy, but it doesn't exactly get a thumbs up for its health benefits. According to Yuka, Combos scored a 0/100 due to some concerning ingredients and nutrition issues. For starters, the additives like Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF, and Brilliant Blue FCF are synthetic colorings that have been linked to potential health concerns. While they give the snack its vibrant look, they don’t offer any nutritional value and can be harmful over time. Disodium Diphosphate and Sodium Bicarbonate are preservatives that help with texture and shelf life, but again, they’re just adding to the list of processed ingredients your body doesn’t need.
And let’s not forget about the calorie count and sodium. With high levels of both, it’s easy to overdo it, especially since most people will eat way more than the suggested serving size. The sodium content alone can make you feel bloated and is not doing your heart any favors. Combine that with high saturated fat, and you're looking at a snack that’s not as innocent as it seems.
If you're feeling a little hesitant about grabbing a bag of Combos now, don’t worry—we’ve got some healthier alternatives below that are just as tasty but way better for you!
Fruit Gushers
Bad (3/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Allura Red AC, Brilliant Blue FCF, Carrageenan, Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Glycerol, Xantham Gum)
- High Sugar
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
Fruit Gushers may be a nostalgic treat for many, but their nutritional profile leaves a lot to be desired. With a Yuka score of just 3/100, they rank poorly for a number of reasons. One of the biggest concerns is the array of additives used, including Allura Red AC and Brilliant Blue FCF, both of which are artificial colorings that have been linked to potential health risks, especially for children. Additives like carrageenan and mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids are also flagged for their questionable effects on digestive health and potential inflammation. On top of that, Gushers pack in a lot of sugar—almost a third of your daily recommended intake in one small serving. The high calorie content is especially concerning given the low nutritional value of the snack, meaning you’re consuming a lot of energy without any real benefits. Plus, let’s be real—who stops at just one serving? That makes the sugar and calorie intake even more of a problem. Below, we’ll dive into some healthier alternatives that satisfy the same sweet craving without the additives and sugar overload!
Lay's Potato Chips (Barbecue)
Bad (3/100)
Problem Areas:
- Additives (Caramel Color, Smoke Flavor)
- High Sodium
- High Calories (with Low Nutritional Value)
- High Saturated Fat
Lay’s Barbecue Potato Chips might seem like the perfect savory snack, especially when you're craving something crunchy and flavorful. But before you dive into that bag, let’s take a closer look at what’s inside. These chips earned a low score of 3/100 on Yuka, and there are a few reasons why. First, the additives—like caramel color and smoke flavor—are used to enhance the appearance and taste but bring potential health risks with them. For example, caramel color has been linked to certain health concerns, and smoke flavor can be a sneaky way to mask the highly processed nature of the ingredients.
Then there's the sodium. While a little salt can enhance flavor, these chips are loaded with it—so much that it's easy to exceed your daily recommended intake in just a couple of handfuls. And let’s be honest, who sticks to just one serving? The high calorie count, combined with low nutritional value, means that while you're munching away, you're not getting much in return nutritionally. On top of that, the saturated fat content in these chips is another red flag. Too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels, putting your heart at risk over time.
So, while they might taste good in the moment, it’s worth considering the impact these chips could have on your health—especially when there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there. Check out our suggestions below for some better snack choices!
While we're not directly affiliated with Yuka, we wholeheartedly support their mission to help people identify both harmful and healthy products with ease. Yuka’s app is a fantastic tool for making informed choices, but it doesn't yet direct users to online stores where they can purchase healthier alternatives. That’s where our blog comes in! We’ve made it simple for our readers to find and buy these recommended products. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, helping us continue to bring you valuable content.
