7 Junk Foods Turned Super Foods

 
Our Best Snack Picks

Popular snack foods contain a substantial amount of antioxidants, according to a new study. We already know that fresh fruits and veggies are great sources of antioxidants, but sometimes when cravings strike, we just want chips, sweets or even chocolate. Luckily, with the help of nutrition expert Madelyn Fernstrom Ph.D., CNS, we found out how your favorite "bad" snacks can be good for you.

The study found more antioxidants in popcorn than any other snack food tested. Try Orville Redenbacher’s 100 Calorie Popcorn Mini Bags for a portion-controlled, calorie-controlled snack.

Best Brownies

While the best way to keep your antioxidant levels up is to eat more whole foods and less processed foods, a combination of all foods—including snacks like Vitalicious Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Vita Brownies—can help. These brownies are made with whole-wheat flour, natural cocoa and pomegranate, all proven to be rich in antioxidants. You can have a heart-healthy and decadent snack for only 100 calories.

Wholesome Crackers

Kashi Heart to Heart Whole Grain Crackers are a great snack when you’re on the go. Grab a handful for a fibrous snack with health-promoting antioxidants from the whole-grain wheat. However, be sure not to seek out snack foods as your main source of antioxidants—unprocessed foods, like a handful of berries or nuts, will be your best bet for maximum benefits.

Better Than Chips

Craving something salty and crunchy? Nabisco Triscuit Thin Crisps are the answer. Also made of whole-grain wheat, these crisps promote good health and taste great with a dip. Up those antioxidants by pairing them with a veggie or tzatziki dip, but make sure it contains fresh veggies.

Chocolate for the Body

Attune Raspberry Dark Chocolate bars contain the benefits of antioxidants from raspberries and natural cocoa, but provides even more for the body. This candy-like treat has five times more probiotics (bacteria that promotes good digestive health) than yogurt and is less than 100 calories. Talk about a power bar.

Swirl in Some Cinnamon

Cinnamon and raisins are rich in antioxidants and taste great together. For all of us that love a cinnamon raisin muffin, Pepperidge Farm has a Whole Grain Swirl Bread with cinnamon and raisins, perfect for breakfast and just 80 calories a slice. Enjoy this snack guilt free—you can even add an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon (not to be mistaken for cinnamon sugar).

Fruit By the Strip

Whole fruits like cherries, berries and red grapes are full of antioxidants and are the best sources for heart-healthy benefits like reducing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Since you don’t always have access to fresh berries, you can get your fruit fix with Stretch Island Company’s Fruit Leathers to satisfy your sweet tooth and make your tummy smile, too. They’re all natural and 45 calories a piece.

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