Snacks Disguised As Healthy Leading People Astray

With tens of thousands of products on the supermarket shelves all screaming out for shoppers’ attention, there are many wrapped up in labels suggesting they are a healthy option.  Snacks like Peanut Clusters and Quinoa bars sound healthy but are they really? And how can you really tell?

According to Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, Amanda Clark, with so much focus on superfoods and gourmet ingredients many people are eating more calories and sugar than expected.

“All packaged snack foods have labels and there are many being touted as healthy options by using misleading portion sizes or only highlighting the good points, while drawing the least attention to the no-so-good points,” she said.

Clark has just published the 2018 Australian Healthy Snack Bible, which when shopping for snacks is a handy guide.

The Australian Healthy Snack Bible is a component of the Portion Perfection Kit, which teaches people how to recognise appropriate portion sizes.

“The Snack Bible takes the additional step of dividing those portion-controlled snacks into everyday (healthier) and occasional (less healthy) options based on their nutritional content,” Clark said.

“We spent months in the supermarket aisles updating the bible with the latest products on the shelves. We want to make the process of choosing a healthy diet easier.”

There has been a shift in the snack and cereal sections towards gourmet flavours. “Pink Lady Apple and Pecan Clusters or Salted Caramel, Quinoa and Chia bars all sound tasty and healthy.  There’s also a shift towards choices that are perceived to be healthier e.g. gluten free, high protein and sugar free,” Clark said.

“But it is deceptive.”

The average full-service supermarket stocks between 20,000 and 25,000 different products so it can be handy to have a dietitian’s assessment as you navigate the snack and cereal shelves.

“Food labels can be so small, they can be difficult to read even with your glasses on, so a clear and visual list of those that come in the right portion size AND have a healthier make up makes the Australian Healthy Snack Bible a godsend,” Clark said.

www.greatideas.net.au as an e-book or physical book for only $4.95 / $8.95.