Are Devil Dogs considered healthy? A Nutritional Deep Dive

November 30, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a single Drake's Devil Dog can be over one-third sugar by weight, highlighting serious concerns about the healthiness of this popular snack. So, are Devil Dogs considered healthy? The answer lies in a deeper look at its ingredients and ultra-processed nature.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed nutritional analysis of Devil Dogs, examining key ingredients like sugar and processed oils, exploring the health risks of ultra-processed foods, and offering context through comparison with other snacks.

Key Points

Ultra-Processed Classification: Devil Dogs are classified as ultra-processed food due to their many processed ingredients and chemical additives.
High in Sugar and Fat: Each cake is high in added sugars (17g) and saturated fat (3g), contributing to excess calorie intake.
Low Nutritional Value: The snack provides minimal fiber and protein, leading to a quick sugar rush with little lasting satisfaction.
Contains Additives: Ingredients like TBHQ, an additive of concern, and emulsifiers contribute to its artificial nature.
Associated Health Risks: Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to increased risks of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Treat, Not a Staple: Due to its poor nutritional profile, a Devil Dog should be an infrequent indulgence rather than a dietary staple.

The Nutritional Profile of a Devil Dog

Examining the nutrition label of a Devil Dog reveals several notable figures.

Calorie, Fat, and Sugar Breakdown

Key nutritional aspects include approximately 180 calories per serving. Each cake contains around 7g of total fat, with 3g being saturated fat, representing a significant amount relative to daily recommendations. Sugar content is particularly high at 17g per serving, all of which is added sugar. Devil Dogs also offer minimal dietary fiber, with only 1g per serving.

The Problematic Ingredient List

The ingredients list further clarifies why Devil Dogs are categorized as ultra-processed.

A Recipe for Processing

Primary ingredients include enriched bleached flour, various sugars and corn syrups, and processed palm and soybean oils. The product also contains several additives, such as TBHQ, a preservative considered a food additive of high concern by the EWG, mono- and diglycerides (emulsifiers potentially containing artificial trans fats), and artificial flavors and colors.

The Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods like Devil Dogs have been linked to various health problems. Their high sugar, fat, and calorie content with low fiber can contribute to weight gain and obesity. The saturated fat may negatively impact cardiovascular health. High added sugar intake is also associated with metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, and some research suggests a potential link to mental health issues.

Devil Dogs vs. Other Snack Choices

To provide context, here's a comparison of Devil Dogs with other snack options.


Snack Item	Key Nutritional Features	Health Profile
Devil Dog	High in sugar and saturated fat, virtually no fiber.	High-calorie, ultra-processed with little nutritional value.
Apple	High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Natural sugars.	Low-calorie, nutrient-dense, and beneficial for digestive health.
Homemade Oatmeal Cookies	Can control sugar and fat content; includes fiber from oats.	Healthier alternative, especially with whole grains and less sugar.
Greek Yogurt	High in protein, often low in fat and sugar (plain).	High-protein snack that promotes satiety and supports muscle health.

Authoritative Source

For more information on processed foods, the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s Food Scores database offers detailed analyses of various products, including Devil Dogs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Devil Dogs are not considered healthy. Their high levels of added sugars, saturated fats, and artificial ingredients categorize them as an ultra-processed food best consumed as an infrequent treat. They offer minimal nutritional value and regular consumption can contribute to health issues linked to ultra-processed foods. Choosing whole, fresh food options is a healthier alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary nutritional drawback is the extremely high level of added sugar, with a single cake containing 17 grams, which contributes significantly to daily sugar intake limits.

No, Devil Dogs are considered an ultra-processed food made with ingredients such as bleached flour, multiple corn syrups, and processed palm and soybean oils, rather than whole, natural ingredients.

Frequent consumption of ultra-processed snacks is associated with a higher risk of health problems including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain mental health issues.

A single Devil Dog contains 180 calories, whereas a healthier alternative like a medium apple has around 95 calories and provides more fiber and vitamins.

While they are enriched with some B vitamins and contain trace amounts of iron from enriched flour, they offer very little in the way of beneficial nutrients like fiber, essential vitamins, or minerals.

In moderation, an occasional Devil Dog can be included in a balanced diet. However, it should not be a regular occurrence due to its high sugar, fat, and calorie content.

The vanilla-flavored creme filling is high in sugar and processed fats, contributing to the snack's overall high calorie count and low nutritional value.