Tag: Processed ingredients

According to nutrition experts, many protein bars, including some from Gatorade, can be likened to a candy bar with added protein due to their high content of sugar and ultra-processed ingredients. This raises the question of exactly how unhealthy are Gatorade protein bars for the average person and when they might be beneficial for athletes.

According to the CDC, between 2021 and 2023, 53% of the calories adults consumed daily came from ultra-processed foods. This raises the question for many food lovers: is pizza a super processed food, and if so, how processed is it?

According to research published in the *European Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, maltodextrin can trigger a more significant blood glucose and insulin response than table sugar. Many health experts agree this is a key reason why maltodextrin is worse than sugar for metabolic health, despite often being marketed as a healthier alternative.

The Sudden Salad brand, once owned by General Mills and now by Eagle Family Foods Group, has been a popular choice for quick pasta salads for decades. The iconic ranch and bacon flavor owes its distinctive taste to a blend of enriched pasta, imitation bacon bits, dried vegetables, and a variety of seasonings and additives.

According to nutritional analyses, many standard store-bought doughs contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and preservatives, making the question 'Is store-bought dough healthy?' more complex than it first appears. The convenience often comes at a nutritional cost due to refined ingredients and additives.

After World War II, the popularity of convenient, shelf-stable foods like chicken gravy mix soared in American households. This pre-packaged blend of thickeners, flavorings, and seasonings offers a quick way to create a savory sauce, but what exactly goes into that powder? A typical mix contains a base of flour or starch, dehydrated chicken broth, and a host of seasonings and enhancers.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some varieties of Dots Pretzels are classified as unhealthy ultra-processed foods. Therefore, the health of Dots pretzels should be considered by taking a closer look at the ingredients and nutrition label.

Many large commercial muffins contain a surprising amount of calories and sugar—with a single blueberry muffin from a coffee shop potentially holding up to 470 calories and 39 grams of sugar. This shocking nutritional information reveals the core reasons what makes muffins unhealthy, often resembling cupcakes more than a wholesome breakfast.

According to a 2013 study by Connecticut College, eating Oreo cookies can activate the same pleasure centers in the brain as highly addictive drugs. This sheds light on why many people find it difficult to stop after just one, but the health concerns go far beyond just cravings. Understanding why you shouldn't eat Oreos reveals a broader look at the risks of ultra-processed snacks.

According to the Environmental Working Group, a single serving of Reese's peanut butter cups contains around five teaspoons of added sugar. This, combined with high saturated fat and controversial additives, is a primary reason why are Reese's peanut butter cups unhealthy for regular consumption.