Randy Chandler
Lance Toast Chee Crackers are a popular snack, but how healthy are they? These crackers contain artificial trans fats, which are known to be unhealthy. They also contain sodium, sugar, and enriched flour, which are not typically considered part of a healthy diet. The crackers are also not keto-friendly due to their high-carb content. However, they do provide some protein, which is essential for health. This article will explore the ingredients and nutritional value of Lance Toast Chee Crackers to determine whether they are a healthy snack option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | High in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium, protein |
| Ingredients | Cheese, milk, refined oils, hydrogenated oils, canola oil, enriched flour, possibly antibiotics and growth promoters |
| Processing | High processing concerns |
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What You'll Learn
Lance crackers contain artificial trans fats
Lance crackers have been assessed by the EWG, which considers calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium, protein, fibre, and fruit, vegetable, and nut content to differentiate between healthful and less healthful foods. The crackers contain canola oil, which may contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats. Refined oils and fully hydrogenated oils, which are present in Lance crackers, contain small amounts of artificial trans fats. These fats are generated in refined oils when they are processed at high temperatures, creating a bland, odourless, and colourless oil.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting trans fat intake to less than 1 to 2 grams per day. While fully hydrogenated oils should theoretically be free of trans fat, no hydrogenation process is 100% efficient, so trans fats are often present at low levels. In addition to artificial trans fats, Lance crackers also contain ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and growth promoters, such as cheese and milk. The crackers are also high in sodium, with one serving containing 22% of the Institute of Medicine's recommended daily intake.
Furthermore, Lance crackers are a high-carb processed food that contains other unhealthy ingredients like sugar and enriched flour. Enriched flour, for example, contains added nutrients like niacin, iron, and folic acid, which may not be as beneficial to the body as naturally occurring nutrients. While Lance crackers may be convenient and tasty, they are not the healthiest snack option due to their artificial trans fat content, high sodium levels, and other processed ingredients. It is always important to read the ingredient list and nutrition information when assessing the healthfulness of a food product.
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They include additives like Yellow 6, riboflavin, and ammonium bicarbonate
Lance Toast Chee Crackers contain additives like Yellow 6, riboflavin, and ammonium bicarbonate. These additives are considered to be of lower concern in food products. However, it is important to note that the crackers also contain canola oil, which has been linked to the presence of unhealthy artificial trans fats. Artificial trans fats are formed when oils are processed at high temperatures, and they can contribute to an increased intake of trans fats in the diet. While the World Health Organization recommends limiting trans fat intake to less than 1 to 2 grams per day, even small amounts can have an impact.
The crackers have been classified as having high processing concerns due to the possible presence of antibiotics and growth promoters in the cheese and milk ingredients. The product score, which takes into account nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing, is influenced by these factors.
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods and added to others. It is essential for energy production, growth, and development and is generally considered safe for consumption.
Ammonium bicarbonate is a leavening agent used in baked goods. It is responsible for the light and airy texture of baked products. While it is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, excessive consumption may have negative effects on health.
Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or Orange Yellow S, is a synthetic food coloring agent. It is commonly used to impart a yellow or orange color to foods and beverages. While it is approved for use in many countries, there have been some concerns raised about its potential impact on health, particularly for those with allergies or intolerances.
In conclusion, while the additives Yellow 6, riboflavin, and ammonium bicarbonate in Lance cheese crackers are generally considered to be of lower concern, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile and the presence of other unhealthy ingredients when assessing the healthiness of the product.
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The crackers are made with cheese and milk from animals treated with antibiotics
While Lance Toast Chee Crackers may be a tasty snack, there are some concerns about their ingredients and nutritional value. The crackers are made with cheese and milk from animals treated with antibiotics and growth promoters. This means that the final product may contain small amounts of these substances, which could potentially impact human health.
Antibiotics are used in agriculture to treat and prevent infections in livestock, but their use can also lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a significant public health concern. While the presence of antibiotics in the cracker ingredients may be a cause for concern, it is important to note that the levels are likely to be very low and may not pose a significant risk to consumers. However, the potential risk is currently unknown, and further research is needed to understand the impact of consuming small amounts of antibiotics over extended periods.
In addition to the potential presence of antibiotics, the crackers also contain refined and hydrogenated oils, which contribute to the total intake of trans fats in the diet. Trans fats are known to be unhealthy, and the World Health Organization recommends limiting intake to less than 1-2 grams per day. The crackers have also been classified as having high processing concerns, which may indicate that they have undergone extensive processing and may contain artificial ingredients.
The nutritional profile of Lance Toast Chee Crackers is another area of consideration. While they may provide some protein and calories, they are also high in sodium, contributing to 22% of the Institute of Medicine's daily recommended intake. Excess sodium consumption is linked to increased blood pressure and other health issues. Furthermore, these crackers are also high in carbohydrates and contain sugar, which may not align with certain dietary preferences or restrictions, such as keto diets.
Overall, while Lance Toast Chee Crackers may be a convenient snack option, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of antibiotics and the other nutritional concerns associated with this product. Consumers should make informed choices by considering the ingredients, processing methods, and nutritional content of the food they choose to include in their diets.
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They are high in sodium
Lance Toast Chee Crackers are high in sodium, containing 22% of the Institute of Medicine's recommended daily intake. While sodium is an essential nutrient that helps maintain fluid balance and healthy nerve function, excessive intake can lead to negative health consequences.
The human body needs a balanced amount of sodium to function properly. Sodium plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, facilitating nerve impulses, and ensuring proper muscle function. However, a high-sodium diet can increase the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day. This recommendation is based on extensive research linking high sodium consumption to adverse health effects. Excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention, increasing blood volume and putting strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can contribute to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lance Toast Chee Crackers, with their relatively high sodium content, can contribute significantly to an individual's daily sodium intake. It is important for consumers to be aware of their overall sodium consumption and make informed choices to maintain a healthy balance. Regularly consuming high-sodium foods without balancing them with low-sodium options can lead to a diet that exceeds the recommended sodium limits.
In addition to the health concerns, high-sodium foods can also impact an individual's taste preferences and overall dietary habits. Excessive sodium intake can dull the taste buds' sensitivity to salt, leading to a preference for even saltier foods. This can create a vicious cycle, making it challenging to reduce sodium intake and potentially leading to a diet that is heavily reliant on processed and high-sodium options.
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Lance Toast Chee Peanut Butter crackers are not keto-friendly
Lance Toast Chee Peanut Butter crackers are a tasty snack, but they are not keto-friendly. The crackers are considered a highly processed food, and they contain a number of ingredients that are not suitable for those following a keto diet.
Firstly, they are high in carbohydrates, which are typically restricted on a keto diet. Secondly, they contain unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, canola oil, and enriched flour. Canola oil, for example, contains unhealthy artificial trans fats, and the World Health Organization recommends limiting trans fats to less than 1 to 2 grams per day. Enriched flour, meanwhile, is a refined carbohydrate that has been stripped of its natural nutrients and fibre during processing, and sugar is also best avoided on a keto diet.
The crackers also contain cheese and milk, which may come from animals treated with antibiotics and growth promoters. These additives are a concern for those on keto, as they can affect the body's natural processes and the environment.
Finally, the crackers are relatively high in sodium, which can be an issue for those on keto as it can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure.
Overall, while Lance Toast Chee Peanut Butter crackers may be a convenient snack, they are not suitable for a keto diet due to their high carbohydrate and unhealthy fat content, as well as their potentially harmful additives.
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Frequently asked questions
Lance Toast Chee Crackers contain artificial trans fats, which are considered unhealthy. They are also high in sodium and made with ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and growth promoters. Therefore, they are not considered healthy.
Trans fats are generated in refined oils when they are processed at high temperatures. They can also be found in small amounts in fully hydrogenated oils due to inefficient hydrogenation processes. The World Health Organization recommends limiting trans fat intake to less than 1-2 grams per day.
Yes, there are healthier alternatives to Lance cheese crackers. Look for options that are baked with whole grains, are low in sodium and trans fats, and do not contain artificial ingredients or additives. You can also explore gluten-free or keto-friendly options if those align with your dietary preferences and restrictions.
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