Are pretzels a healthy snack or not?
Pretzels are not good for you as a snack to munch on every day. Just because pretzels are low in fat, it doesn’t mean they are a healthy choice of snack for you or your kids. Originating from Europe, pretzels are typically made from refined flour that has low or no fiber content, and are quite poor in overall nutritional value.
Are pretzels healthier than chips?
‘Pretzels are a great alternative to full-fat chips’ ‘”though you should watch the sodium. And if you really love pretzels, there are some people are on a mission to make the snack healthier.
Are there any benefits to eating pretzels?
- Rich in fiber
- Free from lactose
- Sugar-free
- Kosher
- Vegan
- It is free from cholesterol
- Free from trans-fat
Is eating pretzels bad for You?
You might assume that with only 1 gram of fat per serving there’s no way they can be bad for your health but alas–pretzel snacks are basically refined carbohydrates and saltwater; absolutely devoid of any nutritional value or benefit whatsoever (and who wants those anyways?). Hard pretzels are a tasty treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.
How unhealthy is a pretzel?
You may think that with only 1 gram of fat per serving, pretzels are a virtuous snack choice. However, pretzels are essentially refined carbohydrates that offer barely any nutritional benefits and an overdose of salt. Just 10 pretzels can contribute to more than half of the 1.5 grams of sodium a person needs each day.
How healthy is eating pretzels?
Pretzels are one of best snacks when it comes to fat content. A 100-gram serving of hard pretzels, or about 16 pretzels depending on their size, has just three grams of total fat and no cholesterol. A significant amount of the fat -- 88 percent -- consists of healthy unsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol.
What is the healthiest pretzel to eat?
To make pretzels healthier, try low-salt brands made with whole grains. You can also opt for gluten-free pretzels and those made with flour alternatives, such as potato, cassava or cauliflower flours.
Are pretzels healthier than chips?
Nutritional Comparison When you place the nutritional information of pretzels and potato chips side-by-side, you'll notice why pretzels are the healthier choice. Pretzels have less calories than potato chips and less saturated fat. As we all know, excessive calories and saturated fat can ruin a diet.
Is it better to eat popcorn or pretzels?
The Winner: Popcorn! Popcorn triumphed over pretzels for a number of reasons, as Joyce Hendley originally reported for EatingWell. Whole Grain: First, popcorn is 100-percent whole grain. Most Americans don't get enough whole grains, and they provide a healthy boost of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
What is the healthiest thing to snack on?
Tips for Healthy SnackingFresh fruits and vegetables.Frozen fruit.Fruits canned in water or their own juice.Whole grain bread, crackers and cereals.Lower fat yogurt.Lower fat cheese.Unsalted nuts and seeds and their butters.Hummus.More items...•
What happens if you eat too many pretzels?
Too much sodium could become a problem for your kidneys. When you consume more sodium, your blood volume increases, which can be harder on your heart and your blood vessels and later cause issues like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Can you eat pretzels if you are trying to lose weight?
If you are focusing on a high-protein diet to lose weight, you will want to limit both soft and hard pretzels, as they contain 79.8 grams and 23.02 grams of carbohydrates, respectively.
Are pretzels healthier than Tortilla chips?
Pretzels are richer in Manganese, Copper, and Folate, while Tortilla chips are higher in Phosphorus, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Fiber, and Calcium. Pretzels covers your daily need of Manganese 61% more than Tortilla chips. Pretzels contain 7 times more Folate than Tortilla chips.
Do pretzels raise blood sugar?
Most brands of pretzels contain the same ingredients - white flour, yeast, salt, vegetable and corn syrup. Because they are baked, they don't have as many calories as chips. But the refined carbs will send blood sugars soaring.
Which is better nuts or pretzels?
For about the same number of calories (between 160 and 170), the pretzels provide just over 1 gram of fat, while the peanuts have 14 grams of fat. If you've been paying attention to recent nutrition research, however, you know that even with that high fat content, nuts are the smarter choice.
Is popcorn a healthy snack?
When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
Is it OK to eat pretzels everyday?
Soft pretzels can still be part of a healthy diet, but it's usually best to consume them in moderation. One easy way to enjoy a soft pretzel without overdoing your calorie, carb, or salt intake is to save half for later or share it with a friend!
Will I gain weight from eating pretzels?
Like potato chips, pretzels are loaded up with salt. Salty foods not only contribute to water weight, but as one study published in the Journal of Nutrition uncovered, salt actually confuses the biological processes that tell you when you're full. So you'll end up eating more, which obviously then leads to weight gain.
Can you eat pretzels if you are trying to lose weight?
If you are focusing on a high-protein diet to lose weight, you will want to limit both soft and hard pretzels, as they contain 79.8 grams and 23.02 grams of carbohydrates, respectively.
What Are Pretzels?
First and foremost, what are pretzels exactly, and what are they made of? Pretzels are a type of salted baked good made from dough that is traditionally twisted into a knot. They have origins in German baking, although today there are many types made across the globe.
How to Make Healthier Pretzels
When it comes to maximizing the nutritional quality of your diet, you want to keep baked goods made with wheat flour to a minimum. However, there are some ways you can enjoy pretzels in moderation, such as by following these tips:
Better Alternatives
Potato chips, popcorn and pretzels all tend to be high in carbs and salt and mostly empty of valuable nutrients. Some popcorns can be better options over pretzels, considering they contain some fiber, protein and other nutrients, but you want to be careful to choose those without lots of added sugar, oil or butter.
Pretzel Nutrition Facts
One ounce of pretzels (about a handful) is equal to a single serving. One ounce of hard salted pretzels contains:
Health Benefits of Pretzels
Pretzels are a low-calorie, low-fat snack that may pair nicely with a number of nutritious foods. They also provide some B vitamins and iron. A handful of pretzels along with healthy whole foods like nuts or fruit can make for a delicious snack with a place in a balanced diet.
Pretzel Health Risks
If you experience certain symptoms like a rash or stomach ache after eating foods like pretzels that contain wheat, you could have a wheat allergy.
Pretzel Preparation and Helpful Tips
When eaten in moderation, pretzels can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Follow these tips to get the most value out of your pretzel snack.
Alternatives to Pretzels
Whenever possible, try to fill your diet with whole foods for the most nutritional benefits.
How are pretzels made, exactly?
Glad you asked! “Pretzels are made primarily of refined flour, a little bit of sugar and oil, and quite a bit of salt,” says Sharon Palmer, RDN, The Plant Powered Dietitian. The ingredients are similar whether you’re in the mood for a hard or soft pretzel, she says, the difference being that hard pretzels are, well, dried.
What about all that sodium?
Well, pretzels have more sodium than both chips and popcorn, your other two salty snack loves. “Whenever you see a food with actual salt crystals on it, that’s a sign it’s high in sodium,” says Palmer. The recommendation is to consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day, and pretzels can make a big dent in that, she adds.
How can you make pretzels healthier?
If you want pretzels, you want pretzels, so definitely don’t feel guilty about eating them. That said, you can make them more nutritionally sound by sticking to a single serving and dipping them in some protein to slow your blood sugar response. Nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew) are all good choices, as is hummus, says Palmer.
What are the healthiest pretzel brands?
Here are a few nutritionist-approved brands to satisfy that pretzel craving:
Good for people following a low-fiber diet
Pretzels are low in fiber. As such, they’re great for individuals who are following a low-fiber diet. You may be following a low-fiber diet if you have digestive issues or are undergoing treatment such as radiation therapy.
Certain pretzels are healthier than others
In terms of healthiness, not all pretzels are created equal. Traditional pretzels or chocolate-covered pretzels are going to have more carbs, sugar, and sodium. While perfect for the occasional snack, you may not want to be munching on them all the time. Meanwhile, whole wheat pretzels are delicious and healthier.
Nutrition Content of Pretzels
Pretzels do have some good features, as well as some bad ones. On one hand, they are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, while on the other, they are a good source of folate and manganese.
Benefits of Pretzels Made With Enriched Flour
In knowing are pretzels good for you, its imperative to know what raw materials have been used to make it. Pretzels that are made of fortified flour could be healthy to some extent.
Benefits of Pretzels Made With Unenriched Flour
Pretzels that are made from refined, unenriched flour contain minimal nutrients, as the nutrient-packed bran and germ are stripped from the whole wheat grain. This eliminates the fiber content in the whole wheat grain, pushing this food into the high-glycemic index category.
Are Soft Pretzels Healthy?
Are soft pretzels healthy? Again, the answer lies in the nutrient content that they have. Soft pretzels are a variant of the otherwise hard and crunchy pretzels, and are also made from refined flour. A small-sized, soft pretzel supplies 210 calories—about 10% of a standard 2,000-calorie diet.
Pretzels Vs. Chips: Which is a Healthier Snack?
Now that you know are pretzels good for you or not? Let’s see how it stands against potato chips. In a comparative analysis between pretzels and potato chips, pretzels’ calories are fewer than those of potato chips.
Good Snack 1: Bean dip with veggies
You can easily turn canned beans in a can (such as kidney beans, navy beans, and chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans), into an inexpensive, protein-packed snack.
Good Snack 2: Oatmeal
Who says oatmeal is only for breakfast? Oats are very high in soluble fiber, which is a must-have for people with diabetes and heart disease, Grotto says.
Kale chips
Dark chocolate and almonds make a rich, satisfying, and portable snack.
Chia seed pudding
Eggs are one of the healthiest and most weight-loss-friendly foods you can eat.
Healthy Snacks That Can Help You Lose Weight
A whey protein shake is a good snack when you need something substantial until your next meal.
Whey protein shake
Canned fish is a fantastic, healthy snack that requires no refrigeration.
Ricotta cheese with cocoa
Sun-dried tomatoes contain more lycopene than regular tomatoes ( 73 ).
How Are Pretzels Made, exactly?
So, Are Pretzels Healthy—Or Is Eating Too Many Pretzels Bad For You?
- I want to be straight up with you: Pretzels aren’t very healthy. “They use refined flour and have a higher glycemic index, meaning the carbohydrates are readily absorbed into the bloodstream,” says Palmer. That can lead to an energy spike, followed promptly by a big crash. Also consider that soft pretzels are way bigger—that’s just their nature—so you’re eating a significant amount o…
What About All That Sodium?
- Well, pretzels have more sodium than both chips and popcorn, your other two salty snack loves. “Whenever you see a food with actual salt crystals on it, that’s a sign it’s high in sodium,” says Palmer. The recommendation is to consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day, and pretzels can make a big dent in that, she adds. Not to mention, one ounce of hard pretzels is a pretty sm…
How Can You Make Pretzels Healthier?
- If you want pretzels, you want pretzels, so definitely don’t feel guilty about eating them. That said, you can make them more nutritionally sound by sticking to a single serving and dipping them in some protein to slow your blood sugar response. Nut butters(peanut, almond, cashew) are all good choices, as is hummus, says Palmer. When you’re shopping for pretzels, look for whole-gra…