Light Laughing Cow Cheeses: Healthy or Not?

In my house, we like to keep laughing cow cheeses around for snacks. You can find them on most grocery store shelves advertised as a lighter cheese option.

I find them pretty satisfying for only 35 calories per wedge. But, how is it possible to keep the calories so low?

1 Wedge of Light Laughing Cow Cheese: Light Cheddar, Cheddar, Swiss and Semisoft Cheeses (Cultured Milk and Skim Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Cream, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Salt.

The ingredients are comparable to other soft cheese spreads like cream cheese. The only unnatural ingredients are the sodium phosphate and sodium citrate which are both preservatives. Sodium phosphate is typically used to preserve meats, and is a healthier preservative to use than nitrites. Sodium citrate is regarded as safe since it is just the salt of citric acid.

As you can see, one wedge is very light, and adds a very small amount of calories to your diet. The main negative nutrition fact is that one wedge contains 210 mg of sodium. This is quite a bit for such a small piece of food. For the average person, it is recommended to eat less than 2400 mg of sodium per day.

The added bonus of this cheese is that one wedge delivers 8% of your daily needs for calcium. This is higher than I would expect for a small piece of cheese.

Light Laughing Cow Cheese has six different flavors: creamy swiss, garlic and herb, French onion, blue cheese, mozzarella with sun-dried tomato and basil, and queso fresco and chipotle.

My favorite is the French onion. It tastes the most like a real cheese to me. The others all taste a little artificial or have some kind of slight chemical aftertaste. Other people I know do not think so. They love all the flavors and detect no chemical taste.

I don't like a lot of additives in my food, or preservatives, but for this particular product, I still consider it an option to include in a healthy diet. Plus, I don't buy Light Laughing Cow Cheese all of the time. I do try to stick to real cheeses, but smaller amounts. That is how they keep the calories so low with this product--the serving size. One wedge is only 21 grams, and can be eaten in just a few bites.

What do you think? Would you include this product in a healthy diet?

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Forte: Gelato with a Pinch of Healthy?

Healthy Gelato? Is that possible?

I was recently sent some samples of Forte to try. They are marketing themselves as a protein rich, all natural, healthy gelato.

I love gelato, but I was almost scared to taste what a healthy version of the Italian delicacy would be like.

In my opinion gelato has always been one step above ice cream. Its rich and creamy texture, along with its bold flavors, and less fat and calories than traditional American ice cream make it a winner.

However, typical gelato still has a fair bit of fat and calories, so it's just a rare treat for me.

I/2 cup serving of Forte Vanilla Gelato contains: 160 Calories2.5 grams of fat1.5 grams of saturated fat20mg of cholesterol70mg of sodium18 grams of Carbs18 grams of sugar15 grams of protein40% RDA CalciumIngredients: Skim milk, protein blend (milk protein, soy protein), cane sugar, cream, agave nectar, egg yolk, madagascar vanilla, vanilla beans. 1/2 cup serving of Ciao Bella Vanilla Gelato: 220 Calories12 grams of fat7 grams saturated fat45mg cholesterol70mg of sodium25 grams of carbs21 grams of sugar 3 grams of protein10% RDA CalciumIngredients: Milk, cream, cane juice, dry milk, tapioca syrup, vanilla extract, guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, vanilla beans

Well, Forte looks like it's definitely a step above this one in comparison to nutrition and ingredients, but does it taste good?

I sampled both Forte's vanilla and chocolate flavors and to be honest, they both knocked my socks off.

I don't know how they managed to make their product so creamy with such little fat. Both were full of natural flavor and would rival any traditional gelato I've tasted.

I'm thankful that they're sold in single serving cups. Otherwise, it could have been dangerous.

Looking at Forte's website, they are marketing their product to be consumed as a daily part of the diet for adults, children, athletes, seniors, and those with health conditions.

In fact, they have their ordering broken down into "a 10 day supply" and so on.

Forte is a dessert and although it's a healthier alternative to other gelato and fortified with protein, I don't agree with the notion that we, especially kids, need a sweet treat everyday.

However, as an occasional treat, Forte is a smart choice and much healthier than ice cream or standard gelato.

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Prevent Cold and Flu with a Healthy Diet

As many of us approach the cold months of the year, flu season begins to peak. I fair pretty well most years and seem to avoid a lot of sick days. It got me wondering if diet has anything to do with staying cold-free.

Well, I did my research, and there is some evidence that a few key nutrients can ward off the common cold and the flu.

Sunflower Seeds: Are an excellent source of vitamin E--one of the highest natural sources! Natural vitamin E found in foods is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster. Most nuts and seeds are also a good source of selenium and zinc which can help the body detoxify.Garlic: Contains a phytochemical, called allicin, which can kill bacteria and viruses, and is thought to improve the immune system. Spinach: Any leafy green vegetable contains abundant nutrients. But, spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that can help ward off disease. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E, and zinc (just to name a few). Mushrooms: Another good source of selenium and zinc. In addition, mushrooms were used as one of the world's first antibiotics. There is even a mushroom called the maitake mushroom that is used in cancer prevention and treatment. There is a long history of use of mushrooms for illness prevention.Yogurt: We all know now that yogurt contains probiotics which can improve the healthy bacteria in the intestines. Healthy intestinal bacteria are a key for proper immune health. Look for yogurts that contain vitamin D, and you will get an additional health boost.Citrus Fruits: One piece of citrus fruit can contain over 100% of your daily value for vitamin C. Peppers are also a great source. Vitamin C has long been studied for its properties in curing a variety of illnesses. Tea with Lemon and Honey: Tea is detoxifying. Lemon is a natural antibacterial. Honey is a combination of an antioxidant and antibacterial. All three combined make a nutritious and almost medicinal drink!Water: Helps to flush out toxins, and maintain hydration. Proper hydration is key to keeping the metabolism strong and healthy.Of course, don't forget to wash your hands frequently. This is the first step in preventing the flu. But, aside from proper hygiene, I will be eating healthy this cold and flu season just in case any of these nutritious foods can help keep me disease-free.

What about you, do you feel like certain foods can prevent the cold and flu?

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Baked Classics: A Healthy Snack?

Snacking can often make or break a person's healthy eating resolution. Afterall, most packaged snack choices are full of fat, sugar, and white flour.

I was recently sent some Baked Classics made by Classic Foods in order to put them through our healthy food test. These all natural, gluten free crisps look promising, but we know labels can be deceiving. So, let's see what's on the inside.

Taste wise, these crisps faired pretty well. Both the flavor and texture was nice and I easy finished the bag. In my experience, baked "healthy snacks" can sometimes seem a bit cardboard-like, but this wasn't the case. They just seemed a tad too salty to me. I think if they could reduce the salt a bit, they would still taste good, but this would reduce the sodium content some, which right now is comparable to regular chips.

Nutrition: A 1 ounce (28g) serving contains;
110 Calories3.5g of fat0g trans fat (really zero) and 0mg cholesterol 260mg of sodium19g total carbs 1g of fiber2g of sugar2g of proteinThe ingredients are all natural and nothing stands out as a red flag. The only thing that I would question is the oils used. They list canola, corn, sunflower, and/or safflower as possibilities. canola would have the lowest amount of omega-6 fatty acids which have questionable health effects. I think they would be a tad healthier if they would only use canola.

For those that prefer a sweet snack, these fit the bill. Again, the taste and texture were nice and I easily finished the single serving bag. They tasted sweet, but not too sweet and I was surprised at the low sugar content.

Nutrition: A 1 ounce (28g) serving contains;
120 Calories4g of fat0g trans fat (really zero) and 0mg cholesterol60mg of sodium19g of total carbs2g of fiber4g of sugar2g of protein
The ingredients are all natural with brown rice flour and whole grain corn flour being the primary ingredients, which are both good choices. Again, I would question the use of multi-types of oil and suggest that they go with just canola oil. They use the ingredient maltodextrin in the vanilla frosting flavoring, which is a sweet starch and is probably why the crisps taste sweet, but only contain 4 grams of sugar. Maltodextrin is absorbed as rapidly as glucose, so it could still spike insuline levels, but it's not clear how many grams are actually in the product.

Are Baked Classics as good as snacking on some vegetable sticks or a piece of fresh fruit? Of course not, but they are an excellent alternative to chips and cookies. If you are just dying for some chips or cookies, I think Baked Classics would make a good substitution. They will satisfy your craving and with only a little more than 100 calories, they won't break your diet.

They wouldn't be suitable for someone on a low carb diet and I thought the sodium was a bit high in the BBQ flavor, but other than that, they are made with ingredients you can feel good about eating and are perfect for those on a gluten free diet.

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6 Healthy Appetizer Dips

It's the beginning of football season here in the USA and we really like our chips and salsa as well as other dips while watching football.

What are we to do when most of these appetizers are loaded with calories? Even if you're not a football fan, or a chips and dip eating person, I am sure you can benefit from having more healthy snack options.

So, I have compiled a list of my top healthy dips and a few appetizer recipe ideas.

Spinach Artichoke Dip: This is a classic that we all love. Your average spinach artichoke dip is about 150 calories for 2 tablespoons. This can make the calories add up quickly because a typical serving is multiple tablespoons! Try this instead: Make your own with fat free yogurt, fat free sour cream, reduced fat cream cheese, and reduced fat cheeses instead of the full fat ingredients and mayonnaise. Salsa: This is your best choice in the dips category since it is all vegetables and seasonings. Even though salsa is your lowest calorie choice, go easy on the chips and try to bring some baked chips to your next gathering.

Another variation on traditional salsa is a chunky salsa with corn, peppers, black beans, cilantro, and lime juice. Bean Dips: You can get really creative with bean dips because each variety of beans has a different flavor. One of my favorites is a white bean dip with basil, pine nuts, white beans, garlic, and a touch of olive oil. Or, pick up a hummus at your local grocery store (or try making your own).

Sliced vegetables go well with bean dips, and this makes bean dips one of the healthiest and most nutritious options.Guacamole: Think of all the healthy monounsaturated fats you are consuming when you eat guacamole. However, it is still important to portion control this heart healthy dip as it can quickly become high calorie.Salmon Dip: With any seafood dip it would be best to make your own so you can use lighter ingredients like reduced fat cream cheese. Try adding extra celery and green onions for flavor and use less of the cream-based ingredients. Ranch Dip: This is another great vegetable dip. But, try making your own with a fat free Greek yogurt and plenty of herbs and spices. This will save you at least 100 calories, and 5 grams of fat per serving!

I hope this has given you some ideas for your next football game or get-together. What are some of your favorite healthy dips or appetizers?

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Grape Seed Oil: Healthy or Just Hype?

Over the last few years, grape seed oil has become popular as a dietary supplement and for its use in cooking.

Grape seed oil is perhaps even more popular for use in cosmetics! But, for dietary purposes it is considered a healthy unsaturated fat.

Is grape seed oil really worth all the hype?

1 Tbsp. of Grape Seed Oil:

120 Calories
13.6 g Fat
1.3 g Saturated Fat
9.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat
2.2 g Monounsaturated Fat
3.9 mg Vitamin E (19% of your Daily Value)
24.3 mg Phytosterols

Grape seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats--mainly, the omega-6 fatty acids called linoleic acid. Grape seed oil contains plenty of antioxidants. However, the antioxidants are not stable, and are fewer upon consumption. Grape seed oil is unique in that it contains phytosterols which can significantly help to reduce cholesterol. Overall, grape seed oil is considered a healthy fat because it is plant-based and contains plenty of unsaturated fats.

Grapeseed oil is an excellent frying or sautéing oil since it can be heated to high heat without smoking. The oil is very mild and lightly flavored so it works well in most dishes.

However, many people like to get their nutritional benefits in a pill form rather than adding to foods. Grape seed extract is very concentrated so the pill form is high in vitamin E, omega-6 oils, and antioxidants. This is one case where the supplement may provide more benefits than the actual oil.

Who knew the tiny seed of the grape had all this nutrition! However, I will personally stick to my omega-3 fish oil supplements and olive oil for my fat choices in my diet. I prefer to get more of the omega-3 than omega-6. We still need more research to prove that grape seed oil can outshine or at least match the benefits of those omega-3's.

How about you, have you tried grape seed oil?

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Good Food Made Simple: Healthy Frozen Food?

Our supermarket's frozen food section is filled with frozen foods that are marketed as "healthy" options, but they are usually filled with sodium and preservatives.

Good Food Made Simple recently sent me some samples of their frozen food line. They claim to use all natural, simple ingredients just like someone would make the foods at home.

But, are they really as wholesome as they claim?

They offer three varieties of steel cut oatmeal and since this is one of my usual breakfast choices, I was happy to see how they compared to my homemade version.

Fruit and Berry Oatmeal

Serving Size: 8oz (227g)

Ingredients: Filtered water, steel cut oats, sweetened cranberries, sweetened blueberries, currents, sweetened cherries, vermont maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt.

2.5 minutes in the microwave and the oatmeal was hot and ready to serve. It was creamy, tasty and I loved the berry combination. As for the ingredients, it is just like I would make it at home minus the vermont maple syrup. However, I use fresh fruit or non-sweetened dried fruit. 15 grams of sugar isn't bad, but I would suggest that if they would use non-sweetened fruit, they could get this number down a tad more.

Vermont Maple Syrup Oatmeal

Serving Size: 8oz (227g)

Ingredients: Filtered water, steel cut oats, vermont maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt.

Again, same as above and great tasting. I could have still enjoyed it a little less sweet. Perhaps they could eliminate the brown sugar and just use the maple syrup. 10 grams of sugar isn't bad though.

Plain Oatmeal

Serving Size: 8oz (227g)

Ingredients: Filtered water, steel cut oats, sea salt.

If you want to add your own amounts sugar, stevia, or berries, then this plain oatmeal variety is perfect. I would probably pick this one because I like to add frozen blueberries to my oatmeal and just a pinch of brown sugar.

Good Food Made Simple has two types of frozen egg patties available.

Whole Egg Patties

Serving size: 2oz (57g)

Ingredients: Whole eggs, egg whites, whole milk, cornstarch, sea salt, pepper

These took about a minute to heat in the microwave and are just like I would make eggs at home except for the cornstarch. I tried them plain and with some cheese. Even plain, they had a good taste, but the texture was a tad rubbery although impressive for a frozen egg product.

Egg White Patties

Serving size: 2oz (57g)

Ingredients: egg whites, whole milk, cornstarch, sea salt, pepper

For those on a low cholesterol diet, these are perfect. Again, they are a little rubbery, but still tasty even by themselves. I would question 0 grams of fat since whole milk is used. They probably have less than 1 gram so it's not required to be listed.

Good Food Made Simple lives up to their claims as far as I'm concerned with only natural, wholesome ingredients and their products were easy to eat. Should someone with time to make their own oatmeal and eggs at home choose this product? Well, only if you have extra money to burn because making your own is way more inexpensive.

However, for busy people on the go, Good Food Made Simple provides some nice healthy, frozen breakfast options.

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Simple Steps to Pack a Healthy Lunch

We all know that bringing a lunch everyday will save us calories and money, but it is all about sticking to it and making healthy choices.

You must plan ahead, spend an extra five to ten minutes packing the lunch, and then transport the lunch safely.

I bring my lunch to work almost everyday, so I will share with you some quick tips that I've learned.

Decide what you will eat for lunch. A few of my favorite lunches are: Salad with tuna or garbanzo beans and a light vinaigrette dressingHigh fiber wrap with hummus and vegetablesLeftovers from dinner in a reheatable container or leftovers placed on top of salad greensHomemade soup/stewSandwich thins or whole wheat bread with nitrite free turkey and a thin spread of pestoInterchange your snacks or sides. Try Greek yogurt, fruit, small handful of nuts, baby carrots/raw vegetables, hummus, whole grain crackers, reduced fat cottage cheese, and low fat string cheese.Make a shopping list of items you need for your lunch. On your weekly shopping trip, make sure to pick up the necessary items.Pack your lunch the night before. You will be much more likely to stick to packing your lunch if you don't have to do it during the morning rush.Use a lunch bag that is insulated and always pack an ice pack. Food will stay safe for up to four hours when left in the temperature danger zones. Using an ice pack and insulated lunch bag will help to extend this time slightly. I use a collapsible lunch bag that I can fold up and put in my purse for convenience.

These are just the basics. The hardest part is changing your habits and behaviors. Just remember that there is a greater payoff for bringing your lunch to work everyday. If your goal is weight loss, you may save a couple hundred calories resulting in a pound lost by the end of the week. If you goal is to eat healthy, packing a lunch could help to increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

Do you pack a lunch, and if you do, do you have any lunch ideas for the rest of us?

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Simple Steps to Pack a Healthy Lunch

We all know that bringing a lunch everyday will save us calories and money, but it is all about sticking to it and making healthy choices.

You must plan ahead, spend an extra five to ten minutes packing the lunch, and then transport the lunch safely.

I bring my lunch to work almost everyday, so I will share with you some quick tips that I've learned.

Decide what you will eat for lunch. A few of my favorite lunches are: Salad with tuna or garbanzo beans and a light vinaigrette dressingHigh fiber wrap with hummus and vegetablesLeftovers from dinner in a reheatable container or leftovers placed on top of salad greensHomemade soup/stewSandwich thins or whole wheat bread with nitrite free turkey and a thin spread of pestoInterchange your snacks or sides. Try Greek yogurt, fruit, small handful of nuts, baby carrots/raw vegetables, hummus, whole grain crackers, reduced fat cottage cheese, and low fat string cheese.Make a shopping list of items you need for your lunch. On your weekly shopping trip, make sure to pick up the necessary items.Pack your lunch the night before. You will be much more likely to stick to packing your lunch if you don't have to do it during the morning rush.Use a lunch bag that is insulated and always pack an ice pack. Food will stay safe for up to four hours when left in the temperature danger zones. Using an ice pack and insulated lunch bag will help to extend this time slightly. I use a collapsible lunch bag that I can fold up and put in my purse for convenience.

These are just the basics. The hardest part is changing your habits and behaviors. Just remember that there is a greater payoff for bringing your lunch to work everyday. If your goal is weight loss, you may save a couple hundred calories resulting in a pound lost by the end of the week. If you goal is to eat healthy, packing a lunch could help to increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

Do you pack a lunch, and if you do, do you have any lunch ideas for the rest of us?

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Are Spray Butters a Healthy Choice?

Spray butters have always been a mystery to me.

Do they have calories or not? Does using spray butter really help save calories? And, what are the actual ingredients in these diet products? They even have spray dressings at the supermarket now.

I have researched all the brands of spray butters and will share with you my findings.

The actual idea of a spray butter or spray condiment is great because hopefully it will help us use less of the product. However, when we have to use twenty or more sprays just to get some flavor out the product, you have to start to wonder if the calories are adding up.

Most spray butters advertise zero calories, zero fat, and zero everything. That is only the nutrition facts for one to five sprays (depending on the product). On average, each spray actually contains almost one calorie. Plus, you are adding about 15 milligrams of sodium for every five sprays.

So, these are not truly zero calorie products. One entire bottle of spray could contain anywhere from 600 to 1000 calories (depending on the brand and size) and 80 to 100 grams of fat. The catch is that food manufacturers are allowed to call something "zero" when it contains less than one calorie per serving or whatever they decide to call one serving.

The first ingredient in butter sprays is usually water followed by oils (usually soybean oil), buttermilk, thickening agents, preservatives, and flavorings. So, butter sprays are not a natural product. I cringe at the thought of spraying chemicals on my food. Check out FoodFacts.com if you want to see what the chemicals are exactly and any associated health risks. The decision of whether or not to use butter sprays comes down to personal preference. If you only use a few sprays and if it helps you cut down on calories, then butter sprays seem like a reasonable choice. However, if you are more into clean eating, I would choose a natural whipped butter which contains only contains cream and salt, but for fewer calories.

Finally, if you fall into the third category of consumers who like to use 30 or more sprays at a time, I would seek other ways to flavor food. Try adding lemon juice, garlic, onion, or other spices.

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Dannon Activia: A Healthy Yogurt Choice?

Dannon recently rolled out both Greek and French versions of their Activia® line.

I was sent a few samples to try out and despite my Monday through Friday no sugar diet, I put them to the test.

Dannon Activia® is marketed as a healthy yogurt that will regulate your digestive tract if eaten everyday for two weeks. I won't be evaluating that aspect as I'm already regular, but I will be taking a close look at the ingredients of these two new yogurts.

I was sent the strawberry variety and the taste has a very sweet, strawberry flavor with a thick and creamy texture. I did notice a slight, almost gritty texture at the finish of each bite. On the ingredients list is milk protein concentrate, so it's probably this that is causing the grit.

This isn't Greek yogurt in the traditional sense as it's thickened with food starches and carrageenan as well as being supplemented with extra whey protein. The sugar content of Activia® Greek Yogurt is very high with 29 grams of sugar/6oz container. This is the same as eating about 7 teaspoons of sugar.

Greek Activia® is fat-free, but contains a few ingredients such as sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, and malic acid for preserving and tartness. While these chemicals are generally safe, are they necessary in yogurt? The usual natural yogurt that I eat has none of these.

I was sent the blackberry/rasberry flavor of this variety and it had a sweet, but nice berry flavor with the texture being very smooth. This one wasn't as sweet as the Greek, but still clocked in at 23 grams of sugar/6oz container, which is like eating just under 6 teaspoons of sugar.

The French has 6 grams of fat and is thickened with food starches and pectin. It contains artificial flavors and the preservatives; sodium citrate and calcium citrate. Which again, don't really need to be in yogurt.

Dannon Activia®'s number one health claim is the regulation of the digestive tract by consuming their product. Three active cultures are included in Activia®. The first two; L. Bulgaricus and S. Thermophilus are found in most yogurts. The third, Bifidobacterium Lactus is what they have trademarked Bifidus Regularis®. This is just a sub-species of B. Lactus, which is also found in many yogurts and food products. There is no evidence to support that Dannon's sub-species is any better than B. Lactus in regards to probiotic effect.

As I sit here typing with my heart beating fast from all the sugar I just ate, I really question the need for 7 teaspoons of sugar in a small tub of yogurt. Do people really need yogurt to be that sweet? It would be hard to find anyone that would sit down and eat 7 teaspoons of sugar back to back, so why then would someone do it disguised in 6 ounces of yogurt? This is almost as much sugar as a regular Snickers candy bar (30 grams).

Dannon, you could have two nice products here if you would cut down on the sugar and preservatives. I can't recommend either product as a healthy choice. People would be better off choosing an all natural, plain yogurt and mixing in their own fresh fruit.

If you don't believe me and want to try Activia® for yourself, they are giving free coupons via facebook.

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Baked Classics: A Healthy Snack?

Snacking can often make or break a person's healthy eating resolution. Afterall, most packaged snack choices are full of fat, sugar, and white flour.

I was recently sent some Baked Classics made by Classic Foods in order to put them through our healthy food test. These all natural, gluten free crisps look promising, but we know labels can be deceiving. So, let's see what's on the inside.

Taste wise, these crisps faired pretty well. Both the flavor and texture was nice and I easy finished the bag. In my experience, baked "healthy snacks" can sometimes seem a bit cardboard-like, but this wasn't the case. They just seemed a tad too salty to me. I think if they could reduce the salt a bit, they would still taste good, but this would reduce the sodium content some, which right now is comparable to regular chips.

Nutrition: A 1 ounce (28g) serving contains;
110 Calories3.5g of fat0g trans fat (really zero) and 0mg cholesterol 260mg of sodium19g total carbs 1g of fiber2g of sugar2g of proteinThe ingredients are all natural and nothing stands out as a red flag. The only thing that I would question is the oils used. They list canola, corn, sunflower, and/or safflower as possibilities. canola would have the lowest amount of omega-6 fatty acids which have questionable health effects. I think they would be a tad healthier if they would only use canola.

For those that prefer a sweet snack, these fit the bill. Again, the taste and texture were nice and I easily finished the single serving bag. They tasted sweet, but not too sweet and I was surprised at the low sugar content.

Nutrition: A 1 ounce (28g) serving contains;
120 Calories4g of fat0g trans fat (really zero) and 0mg cholesterol60mg of sodium19g of total carbs2g of fiber4g of sugar2g of protein
The ingredients are all natural with brown rice flour and whole grain corn flour being the primary ingredients, which are both good choices. Again, I would question the use of multi-types of oil and suggest that they go with just canola oil. They use the ingredient maltodextrin in the vanilla frosting flavoring, which is a sweet starch and is probably why the crisps taste sweet, but only contain 4 grams of sugar. Maltodextrin is absorbed as rapidly as glucose, so it could still spike insuline levels, but it's not clear how many grams are actually in the product.

Are Baked Classics as good as snacking on some vegetable sticks or a piece of fresh fruit? Of course not, but they are an excellent alternative to chips and cookies. If you are just dying for some chips or cookies, I think Baked Classics would make a good substitution. They will satisfy your craving and with only a little more than 100 calories, they won't break your diet.

They wouldn't be suitable for someone on a low carb diet and I thought the sodium was a bit high in the BBQ flavor, but other than that, they are made with ingredients you can feel good about eating and are perfect for those on a gluten free diet.

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