Seven Eco-friendly Options for Less Junky Junk Food
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:
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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??
Instead of any of this stuff try real food like fruits and veggies. They are nutrient rich and low calorie alternatives to the above listed engineered food and as an extra bonus in most cases their packaging is 100% organic.
The only problem with rice crackers, at least here in Canada, is that they are often loaded with sodium.
Japan makes a seemingly endless variety of healthier rice crackers, but they are harder to find. And if you’re shopping green, I guess that’s a long way for them to travel.
My local bakery makes a traditional Jewish snack of baked cracker-like flatbread with poppy and sesame seeds on it. Less salt but lots of garlic.
I wish I could find some good vegan pop-tarts. Those look great, but they have whey, a milk derivative.
@Toby They do make a diary-free flavor! The brown sugar maple syrup flavored toaster pastries have no whey. They do have honey though, which some vegans are concerned with. (Personally, I’ll eat it occasionally.)
Just found your site - I like it.
Go Co-op! Buying in bulk is always key, as you can buy just enough to eat instead of finishing off half of the package because it’s there. And buying real food instead of things that have an ingredient list will give you max nutrition for your food dollar…
We’re all gonna die anyway. What’s the point?
(…aaaand let the flames begin.)
I firmly believe that eating healthy is simply making a series of steps towards better choices. This is a great list to get someone going! Thanks, Doc
This is a great idea and I’m a big advocate of alternative snacks and foods that are healthy and tasty.
However, how much are these organic alternative choices going to cost? I know for sure its not that cheap, which makes it hard to not go for the junk food, and with recent increase in food prices I know I will go for $2 Doritos rather than $4 rice crackers or just go without!
The bulk aisle? NO! What percentage of people actually wash their hands after using the toilet these days? You may have made “overpackaging” your cause, but health is mine, and should be everyone’s.
That being said, I don’t eat junk food, so I’m interested in good tasting, healthy snacks.
jb