Have Processed Foods Contributed to Unhealthy Eating Habits? Will This Issue Worsen in the Future?
Current dietary guidelines suggest that consuming 1–3 snacks per day, each containing between 150–250 calories, is typical. However, the rise of food industry giants like Crumbl Cookies challenges these recommendations. With each Crumbl cookie averaging 600–900 calories, consuming one cookie could equate to the caloric content of three standard snacks. Adding even a modest soda or additional snack could exceed the recommended caloric intake for a single snack.
For perspective, 600 calories is roughly equivalent to 6.5 apples, 1.5 pineapples, or 180 grapes. Social media influencers on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X have popularized the consumption of multiple high-calorie treats in one sitting. For instance, eating two Crumbl cookies, each containing at least 600 calories, would be comparable to consuming 360 grapes. Is consuming 360 grapes a standard practice?
Furthermore, the beverage industry’s impact is significant, with Coca-Cola alone selling 19.2 billion cans annually. As of October 2010, the company reported sales of 10,000 soft drinks per second. This is just one example of the extensive reach of soft drink consumption globally.
A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics reveals that 20% of American children drink no water at all on an average day. This raises concerns about whether the consumption of highly processed foods and sugary drinks should become a more urgent public health issue to prevent future generations from facing severe health consequences.
What does America think?
- August 2, 2024
