I confess: as much as I wish I could say every meal I eat is as healthy as my quinoa and kale salad, sometimes I just have a craving for junk food. Ya know?
When I first went vegetarian seven years ago I quickly realized how easy it was to replace meat with junk food. After all, I’d sacrificed so much my giving up chicken that I should reward myself with donuts, right? They’re vegetarian! And so are potato chips, and candy bars, and french fries…
But not only are these instant gratification foods loaded with calories, sodium, and often trans fats, but they’re not particularly eco-friendly. Consider even “healthy” choices like Nabisco’s 100 Calorie Packs of Oreos, Chips Ahoy, and the like. All come individually wrapped, and I’ve made it clear how I feel about overpackaging.
So what’s an eco-conscious consumer to do when you just want a quick bite? I’ve done you the favor of sampling some of the finest junk foods my co-op had to offer. (The things you do for research.) Consider some of these alternatives:
Instead of Oreos/Chips Ahoy, etc., Try Annie’s Bunny Graham Friends
At only 130 calories per serving, Bunny Grahams rival the aforementioned snack packs, but without the wasteful packaging; the boxes are 100% recycled. They’re 75% organic and according to Annie’s, contain “no icky additives or pesky preservatives.” I can also certify that they are 100% yummy.
Instead of Doritos, Try Rice Chips
I promise this isn’t one of those tricks, like when people got all into rice cakes in the 80′s and tried to convince you they didn’t taste like styrofoam. These Rice Chips from Lundberg Family Farms are the real delicious deal. They come in a variety of flavors, but my favorite, and the most Dorito-esque are the Pico de Gallo chips. (They also offer a Nacho Cheese variety which isn’t vegan so I haven’t tried it.) The family company uses organic rice and has a long history of sustainable farming.
Instead of Pop Tarts, Try Nature’s Path Organic Toaster Pastries
They’re about the same in nutritional content as the Kellogg’s treat you may remember from your youth, but made from organic ingredients. And while you won’t find varieties like “Hot Fudge Sundae” and “Smores,” they do offer Cherry Pomegranate and other flavors that are actually found in nature. varieties. Nature’s Path also uses “Green Certificates” to produce their products, which according to their website come from “100% new green electricity.” Check out their cereals, granola bars, and other products as well.
Instead of Cheddar Crackers, Try Eco-Planet Organic Crackers
When I recently tried this dairy-free cheddar flavored snack cracker I was excited but skeptical. Eco-Planet delivered though, and while it’s been years since I’ve eaten a Goldfish cracker or Cheez-It, I’d say these pass pretty well. They’re educational too! The crackers are shaped like suns, earths, wind turbines and electric cars and offer info about alternative energy. The company is 100% wind powered.
Instead of Snickers Bars, Try Mojo Bars
The Clif Bar folks are at it again. Their new Mojo Bars are more oriented towards habitual snackers, like myself than mountain bikers. They’ve got a variety of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors made with 70% organic ingredients. The company also uses biodiesel for shipping.
Instead of McDonald’s Fries, Try Alexia Oven Crinkles
It’s no news flash that McDonald’s french fries are bad for you. There’s more grease in there than potato! The most eco-friendly option of course, is to make some good ol’ oven fries yourself. But if you don’t have the time, pop some of Alexia’s all organic frozen fries in the oven. Their original recipe has only 120 calories per serving. For something a little more sophisticated, try their rosemary oven fries.
Instead of Pre-Packaged Foods, Try the Bulk Foods Aisle
It’s not just for grains and beans. You may be surprised to find snack chips, pretzels and candy there. Also stock up on nuts and dried fruit. Try making your own custom trail mix. Find more tips on buying from the bulk aisle here.
Got a guilty pleasure that’s not on the list? Let me know, and I’ll try to track down a greener version of it.
You have renewed my interest in Trader Joe’s. I will look for the rice chips, and the bunny crackers next time I’m there. Also, while they’re not low-fat, they are a far-superior snack option in the candy category- Trader Joe’s chocolate peanut butter cups. I don’t know if they contain non-veg/vegan ingredients, but they are so delicious you’ll be saying Reeses-who??
Do you know any replacements for Hostess Ding-Dongs?
This article seems a little narrow minded. Sure all this stuff tastes great and is better for you but you never once mention a cost comparison. I imagine most of these alternatives cost twice as much if not more. Junk food is cheap, thats why people eat it in the first place. We’d all like to eat better, but not everyone can afford it.
It’s certainly true that some of these items are more expensive, but it’s a premium I consider worth paying. The idea of course here is that these are occasional indulgences, not something I’d suggest building your diet on.
If you read my other posts, and the posts of other authors on this site, you’ll see that we frequently encourage cooking your own food, buying locally and seasonally, and even offer many money saving tips.
I prefer more healthier then tasty.
And sometimes, I feel like eating that’s more tasty and forget about healthier.
It’s a hard choice.
Unfortunately, these products are more expensive than the ‘junk’ they are meant to replace.
@ayaya It’s true that many of these do cost more, but not all. Especially if you’re buying from the bulk bin aisle, you can end up saving a lot.
Something to consider: anyone with food allergies should probably be very careful with (or avoid) the bulk foods aisle. It’s way too easy for foods to get mixed up.
Instead of being a mindless consumer and submitting to the “organic” marketing phenomenon, just portion your food!
Too bad all of the substitutes mentioned cost at least three times the less healthy items.