You may be surprised to hear this coming from a registered dietitian, but enjoying an occasional cookie can be part of a balanced diet, and you can absolutely eat dessert foods from time to time without a negative impact on overall health. As with any indulgence, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying cookies while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
While cookies are a delightful treat, they can also be unhealthy if consumed in excess or if they contain certain lower-quality ingredients. Making your own cookies at home using whole grains, natural sweeteners, and healthier fats like nuts or seeds can be a healthier choice to avoid overly-processed foods; however, we know it’s not always realistic to whip up a fresh batch of cookies whenever a craving hits.
It’s likely that you’re going to buy your treats at the store every now and then, and when that’s the case, you’re going to want to look out for certain factors that can contribute to store-bought cookies being on the unhealthier side:
The 8 Best Store-Bought Cookies
Catalina Crunch’s Oreo-dupes will have you feeling more full and satisfied compared to regular cookies. With 3 g of filling fiber and 4 g of protein per serving, you’ll walk away feeling a bit more satiated. Catalina Crunch uses allulose to sweeten their cookies, which doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth.
The 3 Worst Store-Bought Cookies
Along with the sweet, satisfying crunch of a cookie, Belvita Breakfast Biscuits deliver 2 grams of fiber per serving, a steady source of energy from slow-release carbohydrates, and around 18 grams of whole grains per serving. They are also easy to pop in your bag for on-the-go snacking and offer a good source of iron and B vitamins with no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or flavors, recommends Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN.
Partake Chocolate Chip Cookies. These vegan-based cookies are not only made with healthy ingredients, but they are the perfect choice for individuals with food allergies. Their ingredients are free from the top allergens and three cookies contain 140 calories, 8 grams of added sugar, 1 gram of protein, fiber, and saturated fat, adds Joanna Ayalloore MS RD LDN.
I love Thinsters because these are cookie thins with no artificial flavor colors or preservatives, no corn syrup or hydrogenated oils, and they contain 4% of your daily dietary fiber, shares Moushumi Mukherjee, MS, RD. A Thinsters serving size is 6 cookies, which is double the portion of many other store-bought cookie brands. Thankfully, you’ll probably be more satisfied with the increased volume.
