100 Calorie Snack Packs--Good Deal or Not?
By: Nancy | March 27, 2008 | Category: Money
"What do you think about those '100 calorie snack packs?'" I yelled over the wall to Colleen, test driving the idea for today's blog entry.
"Why do they all taste bad?" she yelled back.
And why can't I stop at eating just one?
Chances are, over the last year or two, your favorite junk food has been re-portioned, reformulated or just made in smaller pieces to get it to fit into a little bag so it can join the 100 calorie snack pack craze that's sweeping supermarket shelves. Those little pouches of cookies and crackers are big business—consumers bought $200 million worth last year.
The biggest benefits of snack packs are portability and portion control. Instead of ingesting fistful after fistful of snacks out of the box and racking up hundreds of calories and loads of fat in the process, you can just grab a little pack and go. But that convenience and forced self-control come at a cost. You'll pay as much as two to three times more for foods packaged in 100 calorie portions than you would if you bought a regular box and counted out recommended servings yourself.
There's also a misconception that the 100 calorie packs are somehow healthier than the regularly-packaged versions. That's what I've been assuming, as I grab for a second pack after wolfing down the first (hey, they're little bags!). But sadly, unless they're reduced-fat, they're not any healthier than what you'll find in a regular package. Same amount of sugar. Same fat. Same salt content. They may satiate your sugar or salt craving, but they may still leave your stomach rumbling. So if you're looking for a more satisfying snack, aim for something that contains whole grain or protein and less sugar.
Now about the taste...you may need to check your expectations before tearing open a 100 calorie snack pack. A lot of the snack pack versions of foods are actually different creatures all together from their regularly-packaged counterparts. So if the package says "crisps," don't expect mini versions of your favorite sandwich cookies or crackers. You're in for thin, almost chip-like things. And that's fine if that's what you're going for. But if your mouth is watering for the real thing, cream filling and all, you may be disappointed. Look at the picture on the label so you know what you're getting.
If you can carve out the time, you might want to consider putting together your own 100 calorie snacks of nuts, yogurt, veggies and more. Here are some ideas. By the way, that 100 calorie number? There's nothing magic about it. Some companies have even started selling food in 90 calorie packs. How low can they go? Time, and consumer response, will tell.
What's your experience—are you a fan of 100 calorie snack packs?
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Thomas
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JH, I love the idea of breaking up flavored rice cakes to add to your snack mix combo! It never occurred to me to do that.
And Thomas, you can't beat bananas for healthy, portable snacking. I just remembered that I still have one in the car from last week. Maybe making banana bread will be on my agenda this weekend....
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I buy the pre packaged maccaroni and cheese box and before even thinking about cooking I quickly divide the box of noodles into at least 4 baggies and seal. Then I get the mozarella (low fat) or cheddar and moz sticks that were 4/$ but ar now about 3/$ at safeway (where I buy the generic maccaroni and cheese box)
The really best for morning is the bags of instant, flavored oatmeal in a cup of hot water. For a treat, I throw in an egg and microwave or boil on the stove. If I'm watching the cholesterol I take out the egg yolk first.
If I m worried about getting enough protein without fat, I buy protein bars that are delicous : premiernutrition.com. They are nice and chewy in a variety of flavors. They have 30 grams of protein.
I chop one bar in thirds for less than 100 calories, 3 gms of sugar, (!) 5gms of cholesterol, (2% daily min value) 2gms sat fat and no trans fat.
This is very satisfying, better than chewing gum or slurping coffee.
The premeir protein bars are available at my local Costco for 87CENTS!
Breakfast and Snacks:
If you shop the sales on pre package oatmeal its 2 for ! box
8 pkgs $2 (or $4 not on sale)
.25
.33 cheese stick
.87 protein bar in 3 3 pieces
.25 1/4 box precooked bag of maccaroni
.25 bag of instant cocoa
$2,00!
Half what you pay for a fancy coffee!
or the same price as regular brewed coffee!
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And Jenn, you can get the free package of health and beauty publications that Dear Abby mentioned by going here: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/f19abby.htm
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I was at my child's open house last night, the teacher was reviewing what she considers acceptable healthy snacks to be sent to school. She ended by saying that 100 calorie packs were acceptable. I'm sorry but calorie count is not a measure of nutrition. A 200 calorie whole wheat bagel is more nutritious than a 50 calorie cookie!
I bit my tongue, and not just because this misconception bothers me, but because I also take issue with a teacher, who has no idea what my children eat for breakfast/diner and on weekends monitoring my childs snacks for nutrient value!
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