Entry bubble 100 Calorie Snack Packs--Good Deal or Not?

By: Nancy | March 27, 2008 | Category: Money

snack mix"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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