Sweet snacks may be one of our guilty pleasures, but it turns out that they are not as innocent as they seem. A study conducted by Altroconsumo has revealed that the quality of packaged snacks, even those from well-known brands, is extremely poor. Altroconsumo evaluated 57 different types of industrial snacks based on their nutritional values, ingredient lists, and portion sizes. The results were alarming, with only one snack out of 97 brands achieving a mediocre score of 53. Let's dive into the details of this shocking revelation.
The Disappointing Findings
Altroconsumo paid great attention to the authenticity of the ingredients, as well as the content of fats and sugars in the snacks. Each snack was given a score ranging from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality. Unfortunately, all the snacks, except for one, scored even lower than the mediocre score of 53. This means that the majority of packaged snacks in the market are of low quality and lacking in nutritional value. It's clear that the reputation of well-known brands does not guarantee the healthiness of their products.
The Mediocre Winner
Out of the 97 snacks analyzed, only one managed to achieve a score of 53. The “Tortino” with gluten-free buckwheat, corn, and rice by Equilibrio Esselunga emerged as the winner, though it can hardly be called a victory with such an average score. This snack is priced at 1.50 euros, making it an affordable option for consumers. However, the disappointing fact remains that even the best snack among the analyzed brands did not perform exceptionally well.
The Unworthy Contenders
Now, let's take a look at the other snacks that were analyzed by Altroconsumo. All of these snacks, unfortunately, received low scores and were deemed of poor quality. Here is the complete ranking:
- ESSELUNGA BIO PLUM CAKE
- COOP WHOLEGRAIN PLUM CAKE
- MULINO BIANCO PAN GOCCIOLI
- MULINO BIANCO FLAUTI CIOCCOLATO
- ESSELUNGA EQUILIBRIO FIORELLE INTEGRALI
- MULINO BIANCO FLAUTI AL LATTE
- ESSELUNGA YOGURT PLUM CAKE
- ESSELUNGA PANDOLCI WITH CHOCOLATE DROPS
- MULINO BIANCO FIBER-RICH CAMILLE
- MOTTA GIRELLA
- DOLCIANDO (EUROSPIN) CARROT AND ALMOND TORTELLINI
- KINDER COLAZIONE PIÙ
- COOP PLUM CAKE PREPARED WITH YOGURT
- MULINO BIANCO WHOLEGRAIN PLUM CAKE
- BAHLSEN TAM TAM CHOCOLATE TARTLETS
- KINDER BRIOSS
- KINDER BRIOSS WHOLEGRAIN
- COOP CHOCOLATE BREAD WITH CHOCOLATE DROPS
- MULINO BIANCO YOGURT PLUM CAKE
- MULINO BIANCO BREAD + MILK CHOCOLATE
- NASTRECCE (LIDL) PLUM CAKE PREPARED WITH LOW-FAT YOGURT
- MULINO BIANCO COCOA SLICE
- KINDER COLAZIONE PIÙ WITH WHOLEGRAIN FLOUR
- NASTRECCE (LIDL) WHOLEGRAIN PLUM CAKE
- BALCONI TRANCETTO CACAO
- PAN DI STELLE MOONCAKE
- KINDER BRIOSS MILK AND COCOA
- KINDER PLUM CAKE
- NASTRECCE (LIDL) CACAO-FILLED COCOA BISCUITS
- KINDER PANECIOC
- SMART (ESSELUNGA) 10 MILK-FILLED SNACKS
- KINDER PARADISO
- MULINO BIANCO PLUM CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE DROPS
- DOLCIANDO (EUROSPIN) SOFT SPONGE CAKE FILLED WITH MILK
- NASTRECCE (LIDL) LATTE-FILLED BISCUITS
- CONAD PLUM CAKE
- CONAD MILK CREAM-FILLED TRANCINI
- PAN DI STELLE LA MERENDA
- MULINO BIANCO TEGOLINO
- DOLCIANDO (EUROSPIN) PLUM CAKE PREPARED WITH YOGURT
- KINDER PINGUÌ CIOCCOLATO
- KINDER FETTA AL LATTE
- KINDER CHOCOLATE PLUM CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE DROPS
- CONAD CHOCOLATE PLUM CAKE
- MOTTA YO-YO
- ESSELUNGA FIORELLE
- NASTRECCE (LIDL) PLUM CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE DROPS
- DOLCIANDO (EUROSPIN) PLUM CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE DROPS
- DOLCIANDO (EUROSPIN) SPONGE CAKE
- NASTRECCE (LIDL) CACAO-FILLED COOKIES
- SMART (ESSELUNGA) 10 COCOA-COVERED AND FILLED SNACKS
- COOP TRANCINO WITH MILK, COCOA, AND COCONUT
- COOP TRANCINO WITH MILK AND COCOA
- COOP SPONGE CAKE WITH ORANGE CREAM, COVERED IN COCOA
- FERRERO FIESTA CLASSICA
- KINDER DELICE
The Lesson Learned
It is clear that sweet snacks, in general, are not the best choice for those seeking a healthy diet. The study conducted by Altroconsumo warns consumers to avoid consuming sweet snacks regularly. These snacks are often packed with excessive fats and sugars, which can have negative effects on our overall health. However, if you still find it hard to resist the temptation, it is advisable to consume them only occasionally as a treat.
While this study may be disheartening for snack lovers, it serves as a reminder to prioritize our health and make informed choices about the food we consume. It is crucial to read nutritional labels, be aware of the ingredients, and understand the portion sizes while opting for snacks. With this information, we can make wiser decisions and ensure that we maintain a balanced diet that includes healthier alternatives.
Remember, your health is in your hands, and making conscious decisions about your food intake can go a long way in ensuring your well-being. Choose wisely and indulge responsibly!
I am Daniel, a passionate writer and editor on the spartanewspapers.com team. With a keen interest in health and wellness, I strive to bring the most up-to-date and informative articles to our readers. In fact, I even once wrote an article about the benefits of laughter therapy, purely based on my own hilarious experience at a comedy show. Join me on this journey to explore all things related to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.