We’ve all seen them, those boxes of 100-calorie snacklets that are taking the country by storm. Forced portion control for a high mark-up. In the past three years $20 million-per-year of the countries snack food market revenue has come from these pre-portioned packages. What do I think of this phenomenon? I’m torn. I think of these little packages of pre-portioned overly processed snack foods the same way I think of all overly processed snack foods. They’re a bit gross, but a sometimes necessary evil of being American and being hungry. That having been said, the real question I pose is: Is it worth it to pay more for less?
We could all buy a box of Triscuits ® divide its contents up into 100-calorie portions and place them in sandwich bags, and have 2-3 times more for relatively the same price. That’s my obvious problem with the 100-calorie pack phenomenon. But in defense of the wee little snack bags, we’re a nation of convenience, effort is not something we dole out lightly and if a short cut is able to be taken, well then, we’ll pay an extra $1.99 to take advantage of it. We are also a nation that has for the past 20 years been exposed to gigantic portions. Portion control is a relatively new concept in regard to our culture of eating. This is where I wholly support the concept of over-priced resource-wasting pre-packaged (enough hyphenated terms for you?) foods. I think that we, as a culture of abundance are still on a learning curve. We’re on the right track, and we’re trying to figure out what normal means, but until the masses can look at a palm full of nuts and be satiated with an actual serving size then perhaps this idea of single serving snacks is heaven sent.
The market for 100-calorie snack packs is such a cash-cow that food manufacturers all over are buying into the fad. Now, not only can you purchase your favorite Oreo® or Chips Ahoy! ® products in miniature form, but Hershey’s ® is doling out 100-calorie bags of Twizzlers ® and chocolate bars, Frito-Lay ® has even started selling 100-calorie Beef Jerkey. Can I say that again: BEEF JERKY! Will the time come when everything we eat will come vacuum sealed and in 100-calorie increments? Will a typical 2,000 calorie a day diet consist of 20 clearly marked 100-calorie packages of our favorite foods? I hope not, but I can’t say that I’d be at all surprised.
We could all buy a box of Triscuits ® divide its contents up into 100-calorie portions and place them in sandwich bags, and have 2-3 times more for relatively the same price. That’s my obvious problem with the 100-calorie pack phenomenon. But in defense of the wee little snack bags, we’re a nation of convenience, effort is not something we dole out lightly and if a short cut is able to be taken, well then, we’ll pay an extra $1.99 to take advantage of it. We are also a nation that has for the past 20 years been exposed to gigantic portions. Portion control is a relatively new concept in regard to our culture of eating. This is where I wholly support the concept of over-priced resource-wasting pre-packaged (enough hyphenated terms for you?) foods. I think that we, as a culture of abundance are still on a learning curve. We’re on the right track, and we’re trying to figure out what normal means, but until the masses can look at a palm full of nuts and be satiated with an actual serving size then perhaps this idea of single serving snacks is heaven sent.
The market for 100-calorie snack packs is such a cash-cow that food manufacturers all over are buying into the fad. Now, not only can you purchase your favorite Oreo® or Chips Ahoy! ® products in miniature form, but Hershey’s ® is doling out 100-calorie bags of Twizzlers ® and chocolate bars, Frito-Lay ® has even started selling 100-calorie Beef Jerkey. Can I say that again: BEEF JERKY! Will the time come when everything we eat will come vacuum sealed and in 100-calorie increments? Will a typical 2,000 calorie a day diet consist of 20 clearly marked 100-calorie packages of our favorite foods? I hope not, but I can’t say that I’d be at all surprised.
3 comments:
I am not a fan of that pre-packaged 100 calorie snack pack. I am definitely not in favor of reducing my portions in restaurants. Where does it end? Why can't we be in favor of exercise??? What's wrong with making it happen. Now we need to be controlled into eating smaller portions. What's wrong with using good judgement??? Americans know they are getting fatter. Its in he news every other day. They choose to do nothing about it. Stop reducing my snack size. I know when to stop eating!!!!!!!
I actually really like these as sometimes I will be sitting in front of the computer and "accidentally" eat more of a snack than I needed. However, processed foods are never my first choice. I think for parents of obese children who perhaps know nothing about nutrition - these could be a help.
I think most snackers do so unconsciously. While carrot and celery sticks might be a better choice, these snack packs are reminders of when to stop. They're also handy to carry with you to prevent urges to stop for coffee and a donut. Good teaching instrument for children, both in quantity control and in sharing.
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