The average American consumes 150-170 pounds of refined sugar in one year alone! Shocking, right? Luckily next week officially kicks off Sugar Awareness Week, a 5-day challenge to reduce sugar intake.
Sugar consumption has recently blown up in the news surrounding the ongoing sugar tax roll-out, lowering children’s sugar intake, and more.
With that said, I would love to challenge our readers to cut sugar during Sugar Awareness Week, using some of the following sugar-free/low-sugar products as a guide.
AquaBall
You might think that drinks labeled “fruit juice” are a great option for your child, but the truth is some boxed juices can have upwards of 15 grams of sugar per serving, almost the same amount as a can of soda. Instead, try an AquaBall, the healthiest children’s beverage on the market. Zero-sugar, zero-calories and zero preservatives, AquaBall is available in four flavors, Fruit Punch, Orange, Berry Frost and Grape, and features fan favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen, Disney Princesses, Disney Classic Characters and more. AquaBall is the easy solution to finding a beverage that both kids and parents will love.
“Miniature” Popcorn – For a better-for-you snack, try a delicious, gluten-free flavored popcorn, like The Little Kernel. Available in flavors like Truffle Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Salt, this “miniature” popcorn is popped with 100% pure olive oil, and is also non-GMO, dairy-free, kosher and certified whole grain.
White pasta is filled with sugar – swap it for lentil-based pasta. Explore Cuisine’s Pulse Pastas are vegan, organic, gluten-free, high in protein and a good source of fiber—changing the landscape of the pasta in grocery aisles. The Pulse Pasta collection includes: Red Lentil Penne, Green Lentil Penne, Chickpea Fusilli, Red Lentil Spaghetti, Chickpea Spaghetti, and Green Lentil Lasagne Sheets.
Viki’s Granola is made with 100 percent all natural ingredients, gluten-free and baked with love. Unlike other granolas with hard clusters, Viki’s has a fresh, soft, chewy texture and no artificial aftertaste. It is also cholesterol free, sodium free, dairy free, and contains ZERO trans-fat. Available in five delicious flavors, Viki’s Granola is great to enjoy on its own or mixed in yogurt, and are even available in snack packs to take on-the-go. ($5.49/12 oz. bag $11.99 / (10) 1.5oz bags) VikisGranola.com.
The essence of sparkling water, which is free of sweeteners, contains zero calories, no artificial colors or preservatives, and delivers a refreshing essence of natural flavors. The new product line, developed in response to consumer demand for healthier carbonated beverage alternatives, offers four skus: a non-flavored sparkling water and three lightly-flavored versions featuring essence of lemon lime, essence of peach and essence of tangerine.
Gaea’s Olive Snack Packs are a low-calorie and 100 percent natural snack, containing zero additives or preservatives and very low salinity. Packaged in handy re-sealable packages, without liquid, and allowing the convenience of easy snacking, Gaea’s Olive Snack packs are available in three flavors: Pitted Green Olives Marinated with Chili and Black Pepper, Pitted Green Olives Marinated with Lemon and Oregano, and Pitted Kalamata Olives, 100% Natural and Sun Ripened. At only 67 or 150 calories per pack, Gaea’s Olive Snack Packs are a healthy, low-calorie snack to nosh on. $2.49, available at retailers nationwide and gaeaus.com.
