Craving something sweet but trying to stay healthy? You're not alone! Finding treats that satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals can be a challenge. Luckily, Whole Foods Market offers a variety of delicious and healthier sweet snack options. This article explores some great choices available at Whole Foods, focusing on snacks with whole, natural ingredients and minimal refined sugar. It also provides tips for making your own healthy desserts at home.
Navigating the Snack Aisle: What to Look For
It's easy to get caught up in marketing buzzwords. Just because a product is labeled "organic" doesn't automatically make it a healthy choice. It's crucial to read ingredient lists carefully and be mindful of added sugars, processed ingredients, and potential allergens.
When choosing snacks, prioritize those with:
- Whole, recognizable ingredients: The fewer the ingredients, the better. Look for real foods like fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Minimal added sugar: Many snacks use refined sugars. Opt for those sweetened with natural sources like maple syrup, agave, or fruit.
- Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, and coconut oil can provide healthy fats that keep you feeling satisfied.
- Fiber: Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full.
Recommended Healthy Sweet Snacks at Whole Foods
Here are some specific examples of healthier sweet snacks you can find at Whole Foods:
UNREAL Peanut Butter Cups: These peanut butter cups are a healthier alternative to traditional brands. Most of the snacks provided by UNREAL are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and made from organic ingredients.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Hail Merry Bites, Cups, and Tarts: Hail Merry offers a range of treats, including bites, cups, and tarts in flavors like chocolate, lemon, and almond butter. The ingredients are simple, primarily consisting of coconut oil, agave or maple syrup, and almond flour.
Mavuno Harvest Organic Dried Fruit Packs: These packs contain dried fruits like bananas, papaya, coconuts, and pineapples sourced from family farms in sub-Saharan Africa. Importantly, they have no added sugar. Mavuno Harvest is a great option for a naturally sweet treat.
Simple Mills Muffin and Bread Mixes: Simple Mills offers gluten-free and paleo-friendly products. The three different mixes include pumpkin, banana, and chocolate. There are just a few ingredients including coconut sugar, coconut and/or almond flour, and the rest vary by mix. For those muffin-lovers, these are for you. These are incredibly amazing.
Simple Mills Ready-to-Eat Cookies: Simple Mills has gluten-free and paleo-friendly products, which make it easier for everyone to eat and enjoy. Simple Mills make very delicious baked goods, this is definitely a must-try.
Steve’s Paleo Goods Paleo Krunch: These grainless granola bars come in different flavors and are better for you than most store-bought granola bars. These are also great healthy snacks on the go.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Larabar Bites: These are by-far my favorite sweet snacks. They definitely satisfy my sweet tooth with types such as double chocolate brownie, mint chocolate truffle, and chocolate hazelnut.
Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups: Justin’s not only produces nut butters, but also dark, milk, and white chocolate cups made with natural and high-quality ingredients. These are possibly my favorite chocolate and peanut butter combo snacks.
Perfect Bar: These bars are high in whole food protein, are nutrient-dense, non-GMO, and gluten-free. These are available in the fridge sections since they have fresh, natural ingredients. Some people even prefer to use them as toppings for their smoothies, for a sweeter and healthier taste.
Arctic Zero: Arctic Zero has bars and pints of ice cream. Most are gluten-free, non-GMO, lactose-free, and low glycemic, and even better, low-fat and low-calorie. What more could you want from ice cream?
Making Your Own Healthy Sweet Snacks
One of the best ways to control the ingredients in your sweet snacks is to make them yourself. Here are some easy ideas:
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
- Fruit Salad: A simple mix of your favorite fruits is a naturally sweet and refreshing snack.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt (Greek yogurt for extra protein), berries, and a sprinkle of granola for a satisfying and healthy treat.
- Trail Mix: Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a customizable snack.
- Homemade Granola Bars: Making your own granola bars allows you to control the ingredients and avoid processed additives.
Considerations for Allergies
If you or your family members have allergies, it's crucial to be extra cautious when selecting snacks. Always read ingredient lists carefully and be aware of potential cross-contamination. For those with peanut and tree nut allergies, it's often necessary to avoid products processed in facilities that also handle nuts.
Moderation is Key
While these snacks are healthier alternatives to traditional desserts, it's important to remember that moderation is key. Even natural sweeteners can contribute to excess sugar intake. Desserts should be enjoyed as occasional treats as part of a balanced diet.
Reframing Our Relationship with Food
It's also helpful to move away from the idea of "good" and "bad" foods. Assigning moral value to food can create unnecessary stress and anxiety around eating. Instead, focus on choosing quality, whole ingredients and enjoying treats in moderation.