10 Popular Snacks That Aren’t as Healthy as You Think (and Better Options)

When you feel like you're constantly on the go, it's easy to grab unhealthy snacks that make your life easier. If the snack is convenient, it saves you time and allows you to be more productive during the day. If you're a parent, you understand.

Even when it comes to grocery shopping, the array of options at the store can make it difficult to know exactly which snacks are the best ones to choose. Many marketing strategies claim that certain snacks are healthy, making us feel better about choosing processed foods. However, labeling several of these items as "healthy" is actually very deceptive. While there is some nutritional benefit to eating snacks such as granola bars, there are far healthier options out there.

If you're wondering which snacks in your pantry are the most unhealthy, keep reading to find out about 10 unhealthy snacks you should stop buying, and some healthier alternatives to try instead.

This post was updated in April 2026 to include updated information about some of the most unhealthy snacks.

Potato chips are an immensely popular snack food; there are even "healthy" versions. But did you know that potato chips aren't just processed but actually ultra-processed?

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations typically containing ingredients such as oils, fats, starches, sugars, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, and emulsifiers that are not commonly used in home cooking. Many ultra-processed foods are associated with negative health outcomes and are often considered junk food due to their high content of added sugars, fats, and salt, and low nutritional value.

Potato chips are the ultimate junk food. These snack foods are fatty carbs that have been fried and flavored with salt. To top it off, they are completely addictive, making them one of the most unhealthy snacks on the market.

Healthier option: Vegetables with dip

Another snack food that masquerades as a healthy option is granola bars or cereal bars. They are a step up from potato chips since some granola bars have fiber and protein.

However, most granola bars and cereal bars are filled with sugar and artificial ingredients. Additionally, this snack is a highly processed food that can have adverse effects on your health, blood sugar, and metabolism.

Healthier option: Homemade granola

It's hard to walk through the snack aisle without seeing the large boxes of snack packs. They are convenient (a little snack in a bag!) — just grab and go. Kids love them because they come in a variety of options: small cookies, crackers, and Goldfish. What's not to love?

These snack packs, however, are not the healthiest option. For starters, they offer very little nutritional value. They are full of processed carbs, sugar, and artificial flavors. Additionally, these little packs do very little to satisfy hunger.

Healthier option: Dried fruit or pistachios

Yogurt is a go-to snack that is often labeled as healthy. After all, it has protein, probiotics, and calcium, which are important for health and growth.  

While this is true, not all yogurts are the same. The flavored yogurt that appeals to youngsters (like Go-Gurts) is typically packed with sugar. There are so many options available, like cookie or granola toppings or fruit swirls; how do you know what is good for you and what isn't?

When it comes to yogurt, try to grab the options that have less sugar. Additionally, if your kids absolutely love that flavored yogurt, there are healthier brands. Try to find one that has less than 12-13 grams of sugar per container.

Healthier option: Greek-style yogurt or traditional yogurt

Hostess, Little Debbie, and Snackwell — these name brands are hard to resist and offer a variety of snacks to choose from. You have your Nutty Bars, Zebra Cakes, and Swiss Rolls, just to name a few. However, it's not hard to see just from the packaging that these addictive snacks are not healthy.

They honestly shouldn't even be considered snacks. Cake snacks should only be desserts that are given occasionally. One reason is that snack cakes are filled with refined sugar and carbohydrates. Eating too many, especially consistently, can adversely affect a person's blood sugar and put them at risk for health conditions like heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Healthier option: Homemade energy balls

There are plenty of "healthy" cracker options on the market. However, when it comes down to it, these snacks often lean towards the unhealthy side. Most of the time, crackers contain high calories and way too much sodium. Furthermore, crackers offer very little nutritional value because they are usually highly processed and contain little fiber.

Depending on the brand and type of cracker, it may contain high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, sugar, and sweeteners. Instead of grabbing a package of Ritz or saltine crackers as a snack, try a healthier option.

Healthier option: Flaxseed crackers or sliced cucumber

Veggie straws are deceptive little snacks that make people believe they are making healthier choices. However, veggie straws are just as unhealthy as chips or crackers. Like their chip counterparts, they are highly processed. While the ingredients contain vegetable powders, making these straws involves a ton of processing, which depletes most of the vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

Additionally, many brands of veggie straws contain a significant amount of sodium, and some may also contain moderate amounts of fat, depending on how they are prepared. So, while they may be tempting to grab under the assumption that you will be getting some type of vegetable, there are healthier alternatives to veggie straws.

Healthier option: Fresh vegetables such as carrots, peppers, and celery

Another snack similar to granola bars is the simple fruit bar. They are a quick and easy snack full of fruit — what could be bad about that? When choosing a fruit bar, paying attention to the labels and dietary facts is important. Many of these options are high in sugar and salt. Furthermore, these convenient snacks are also very processed, which can diminish the nutritional value.

Also, fruit bars can lack fiber and protein, which means they do a terrible job of keeping you fuller for longer.

Healthier option: Real fruit

Okay, technically, soda is not a "snack," but it is a drink that people enjoy with snacks or midday. It can be highly unhealthy and lead to weight gain. The calories and sugar content are also high.

In fact, these calories are considered empty calories. It adds little to no nutritional value and eats up the daily calories (which is one reason weight gain goes hand in hand with being an avid soda drinker).

Soda also puts people at risk for developing health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Healthier option: Water

Pop-Tarts are a convenient breakfast option that many children and adults enjoy. Furthermore, they can make an easy grab-and-go snack when someone is in a hurry. It may be a good idea to give the Pop-Tarts a second thought before consuming one. There are many reasons why Pop-Tarts are considered one of the unhealthiest snacks around.

Pop-Tarts containing certain artificial food colorings, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are subject to strict regulations in countries like Austria, Finland, and Norway. These dyes may require warning labels or lead manufacturers to reformulate products to comply with local food regulations.

In addition to the artificial food coloring, Pop-Tarts are highly processed. Furthermore, they contain refined white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup. These snacks also have very little nutritional value, have a low amount of protein, and are linked to a risk of health conditions like heart disease.

Healthier option: Whole-grain toast and peanut butter

Buying the snacks on this list may be easier on your wallet. Yet, they may not be the best options for you and your family. If you want to begin offering better options in your home, you can start today by no longer buying these unhealthy snacks. Instead, offer better options to your children and yourself. These options include fresh fruits and vegetables, water, and Greek yogurt.

You can also try your hand at preparing homemade foods such as energy balls and granola. Making them from scratch will give you and your family options that reduce unnecessary additives, sugar, and sodium. You can take charge of your health choices today and stop buying these unhealthy snacks.