Yesterday I came across an interesting article on 100-calorie packs! You may have also noticed the Tip of the Day mentioned it too.
Kraft was the first company to pioneer the 100-calorie packs and they made an estimated 75 million off them in the first year alone. Even the Girl Scouts are banking in on the trend. I admit, when I first saw them, I thought they were the greatest idea. The only thing that prevented me from buying them much was the fact that I was a student and couldn’t afford much for groceries. When I did buy the packs I would often eat 3 in one sitting because I just didn’t feel full!
Have you ever opened all of the 100-calorie pack bags and dumped it into a bowl? Not exactly getting the best bang for your buck!
However, that didn’t stop me from buying those 100-calorie chocolate bars- the Cadbury Thin. Eric would say to me each time, “You know you are paying the price of a regular chocolate bar, but they are only giving you half of one?” He was right, and I admitted defeat to the chocolate mastermind.
They even came up with clever ads to market to women only:
But those days are now long behind me. I chose not to buy 100-calorie packs and instead eat whole, real foods free of chemicals, high fructose corn syrup, and the like. It is also so much more cost efficient to buy in bulk, and better yet, to make your own food when possible. And let’s be honest, the 100-calorie packs aren’t doing anything for the environment.
100-calorie packs do work for some people and I know that many people swear by them for potion control. I guess it just depends on the person and what you take from it.
The study mentioned in this article is quite interesting!
- The study, led by researcher Marcia Mogelonsky created two groups of participants
- One group was given 100-calorie packs and the other was given potato chips that were in regular sized bags
- Both groups were put in front of a television
- The results were simple: Participants who were given the 100-calorie packs consumed more food than the group who wasn’t.
- It is thought that when people eat what is perceived to be a ‘diet food’ it gives them a license to eat more and they feel less guilt
I thought these results were really interesting however I think the study is a bit flawed because they should have created a 3rd group who ate from the same size bag as the 100-calorie bag, but didn’t label it as so. This 3rd group could serve as a control to see whether it was in fact the words 100-calorie on the bag that gave them the desire to eat more, or if it was simply the small serving that tricked them into thinking they weren’t eating much.
Today’s question: What are your thoughts on 100-calorie packs? Do you think they are a fad that will soon fade out? Do you see companies creating more 100-calorie packs for different products? Have you ever been lured into buying 100-calorie packs?
{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes I buy the 100 cal packs for a few reasons, I am one of these people if the bag is open I will eat the whole bag, the 100 cal packs keep me under control. I also buy them for my kids, its good portion control and a quick snack to keep in the car when we are out and about.
I used to eat them constantly, I would have them as a snack and wonder why they weren’t filling me up! I don’t eat them anymore, but the boyfriend still does sometimes and i am trying to get him to stop!
“they should have created a 3rd group who ate from the same size bag as the 100-calorie bag, but didn’t label it as so”
I totally agree! Now THAT would have been interesting.
I think 100 cal packs are good if you have a bad time with portion control — if not, you are right they are a waste!
We don’t have 100 calorie packs here in the UK (or at least I haven’t seen them!) I’m going to the States next week and I have to admit, I’m intrigued. Like Janette above, if I were to open a BIG pack of any less-than-healthy snack (or worse, a healthy one!) I’d probably just keep scoffing them without noticing, so I can see the appeal of a portion control (perhaps for keeping in the office drawer for those emergency moments when anything other than chocolate is just not an option and I haven’t had time to bake!) I agree about the environmental advantages of buying in bulk with less packaging – I try to buy a large pack of something and then re-package into small ziploc bags that I re-use, to take my snacks to work. By the way, Angela, my husband is totally converted to homemade granola bars now! I can’t wait to try the peanut butter version. He has one as an energy booster before biking home from work.
I use to be a huge consumer of the 100 calorie packs. I think I bought every flavour. But after you eat a couple you realize-their disgusting. Their is a reason that they only have 100 calories-I think their made out of cardboard. So I stopped buying them for the most pat-the exception is the chocolate covered pretzel 100 calorie packs. I have no self control when it comes to chocolate covered pretzels so I like the packs for them-as well as their the exception to the 100 calorie cardboard food.
I used to buy them all the time, but I was never satisfied. I was also one of the people who thought “oh well it’s a diet food so I have license to eat more” and I spent a lot of energy counting my calories.
Now, I make things like bars and snacks myself. They are full of whole foods and nutrients and I do NOT know exact calorie amounts so I have to rely on my feelings of satiety. The good news is that I tend to be satisfied much sooner b/c I am eating nutrient rich foods and I appreciate eat bite more b/c it’s not full of air or no-calorie chemicals.
Great topic!!
Good post! I don’t think that the 100-calorie trend will go away any time soon. It’s just way too marketable. I think that the idea isn’t a terrible one. . . it’s just not one that works very well in helping people reach larger health-goals.
I have something I’m going to send you, I think you’ll find it interesting! You’ll have mail from my work address in a few minutes!!
This is off topic but I had a GM this morning (I commented yesterday how I’m trying your Project Glo this month) and it is a great hangover cure! I know it’s not it’s intended purpose but in between my GM this morning and my Gatorade, I am feeling really good. Which considering last night I had a bottle of wine and 4 shots, combined with less than 5 hours of sleep, I think is miraculous! A heads up for anyone who’s going out this weekend
I definitely fell into the trap. Those packs were just coming out when I was on my WW weight loss journey. Typical of most beginner dieters I was only looking at calories and points, and not at what I was actually eating.
Eventually I stopped buying them…first, due to cost (rip-off!), second due to waste (all those little packages!!), and third because I clued in that REAL food is better than any packaged FAKE food.
Ugh, I hate 100 calorie packs! They drive me crazy
I used to use them a lot too and ALWAYS felt unsatisfied from them. My parents often buy a box and finish the entire thing in one night!
I hate the way companies try to market them to people too. I’m very frustrated with the food industry 90% of the time. All these “hidden” trans fats and chemicals make a girl want to eat nothing but veggies!
I hope 100 calorie packs are a passing fad, but it seems like new ones come out every day. I always shake my head and sigh when my husband points them out at the grocery store!
You are right, they are not very economical or environmentally friendly either. BOO 100 calorie packs!
Hey guys! Look what Mara sent me- it’s all the foods you can eat for just 100 calories (and the serving size) Super fun!!
Here it is:
The Most Filling 100 Calorie Packs!
1/4 0f an avocado
1.75 cups apple slices
1 medium banana
1 cup grapes
2 cups berries
1.5 cups sliced peaches
1.25 cups orange sections
1.25 cups blueberries
2 cups diced watermelon
1 cup sliced pears
1.33 cup diced pineapple
1.5 cups raspberries
1 cup cherries
2 large kiwi fruit
3 clementines
4 cups cherry tomatoes or 10 plum tomatoes or 3 large beefsteak tomatoes
1 medium baked sweet potato
1 small baked white potato
2 cups carrot strips or slices
12 cups torn lettuce
10 large broccoli spears
8 cups sliced cucumbers
5.5 cups sliced bell or sweet peppers
5 cups whole raw mushrooms
32 spears cooked asparagus
2.5 cups cooked green beans
80 snow or sugar snap pea pods
4.5 cups mixed vegetable salad (without dressing)
1/2 cup cooked grain/rice/pasta (most, bulgur is 3/4s cup)
1 jumbo hard boiled egg
20 large boiled or steamed shrimp
2 oz chicken breast meat (a little more than 2 oz)
2 oz sirloin steak (a little less than 2 oz)
0.75 cup plain fat free yogurt
3 cups air popped popcorn
Angela
I think they are good and bad…. good that they might help make consumers become more aware of what portion sizes are supposed to look like, but like you said, they are more expensive and I don’t like how much waste they create with the extra packaging. It would make more sense and to buy something and divvy it up into 100 calorie portions your own containers at home, that you can wash and reuse… this could work for anything, prepackaged snacks or better yet, fruits and vegetables! Do this with produce, all you’d need is a calorie counting book or website and a scale or some measuring cups!
I used to eat them as well. But since I started reading more (especially your blog!), I discovered a few almonds will fill me up and tatse better, or organic 85% dark chocolate will satisfy my sweet tooth, but is too bitter to overindulge in.
That being said, I think the 100 calorie idea is beneficial to people who need that control of the individual wrapping. I still struggle if I have baking chocolate chips in the house. The more I come to understand my hunger the more I can move beyond the 100 cal pack (and proud of it, I also felt like I was buying into a fad). But I think many people struggle with portion control. It may not be nutritionally amazing, but if you are willing to see it as a stepping stone to think about portion control, then that is a good thing. Great post!
yeah, that list is awesome! It’s been on the WW site for a while now. IT has some great ideas!
I’ve bought some of the 100 calorie packs, but they do NOT fill me up at all! Plus, you are just paying more for something you could buy and separate into single servings yourself.
I’m hoping it kind of dies down – I get that people like having convenient packs of things, but it’s not so great when you eat 3 because you’re still hungry.
I’ve even seen 100 calorie packs of DOG TREATS!!! that is ridiculous.
I’ve never subscribed to 100 calorie packs, but I do like “portion controlled” snacks. Who said 100 calories is the right amount of calories for a snack? It’s not. However, I do like some things in individual baggies – not necessarily 100 calories, like bars & nuts. I go a little crazy with nuts if they are not portion controlled.
i’ll be honest, i was absolutely obsessed with 100 calorie packs at the worst of my struggle with disordered eating.. though they were never filling for me.. i would restrict myself to only eating one and then ignoring my hunger.. i think in my many ways 100 calorie packs led me to become consumed with calories and contributed a lot to restrictive behavior.. i cared way too much about portion control and making sure i was only getting in 100 calories and honestly didn’t care at all that they were will with sugars and high fructose corn syrup.. i can proudly say that i am at a point in my life where i’ve strayed from 100 calorie packs and will only eat them occasionally because they are great for on the go snacks.. especially the 100 calorie pack almonds
thanks for this post girl. .definitely interesting and made me a lot more aware of my past tendencies.
I have eaten them before. Not much now. I’m not sure about the other ones, but with the sun chips, a 100 cal pack is actually a smaller serving than with the regular sized bag. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.
I have been guilty of eating the 100 calorie packs. But as I become more aware of my body, and how to treat it, I am finding that there are a plethora of other more filling options for me to it.
Hi Angela!- I drink green smoothies (thanks to you!) but lately i have been skipping the milk!! it tastes just as amazing to me.. Today i did one banana, 2 Tbsp of powdered Peanut butter and lots of spinach + ice.. Just wondering is there a nutritional reason you add the milk? Mine stil came out in complete smoothie form.. i got this idea after being in europe where they make smoothies with just fruit + ice.. no milk/yogurt!! it tastes just as amazing in my opinion!
I did try my first GM’s with no milk- they were all veggie and I definitely didn’t have the right combo down! I should experiment a bit more without milk to see what kind of combos I can come up with! No real nutritional reason I add the almond or soy milk, I just like the taste
~A
I’ve never bought them. I think they are a waste (as far as the packaging is concerned) and don’t taste very good. I do agree that eating out of a big bag is not great either. There’s a huge connection (at least for me) between “There is not more” and “I’m full”. A compromise of going to the kitchen, pouring from the big bag into a dish, eating what’s in the dish, and then evaluating if you want more seems to work for me as far as economy vs. portion control.
I used to buy them but when you eat 2-3 packs at once it kinda defeats the purpose. I actually got rid of a lot of processed foods from my lifestyle. Those 100 cal. packs dont have a place in my life anymore.
I have bought them before but not often. I then really started reading the ingredients and realizing that I could not knowingly put all those chemicals in my body. I would rather have something wholesome. 100 calorie packs may have portion control but they come with a big price – terrible ingredients. I find the very act of creating my own food makes me appreciate it more; therefore, I consume it more mindfully.
I lived off these throughout undergrad but now I rarely buy them – they aren’t filling at all and are a total waste of money!
hmm I think it’s a fad…and I did used to buy them alot..but now to save money..if i want those prodcuts I’ll just go for the big box and then porton them in baggies lol..saves alot of money. But as it is, I don’t really crave those products anymore
I just portion control for myself? Now, anyways. I totally get the appeal – it’s a treat and it’s only 100 calories! Simple, no work (story of our generation?). But, when I used to buy them (for about a month), I would eat more. Not that I would eat 3 bags in one sitting – but I’d have my ‘Oreos’ every day since 100 calories is nothing, instead of having a treat when I actually wanted one. Plus, the 100-calorie nutritional stat sounds nice, but the ingredients paragraph? Not so much.
Always tempted to buy them but the whole packaging waste always deterred me.
I used to go gaga over those 100 cal packs, but not anymore! I finally got it through my thick skull that I could eat more of other, healthier foods for 100 cals and actually feel like I’ve eaten something! I do still buy them sometimes but not because they’re 100 cal packs….the kids like some of the cookies/crackers, etc and they are great for lunches.
Thanks for another great post!
I bought them in the past, and quickly realized that they were a total waste of money. I’m not big on packaged food anyway, and definitely not a fan of cookies and crackers. I found myself buying them just because they were “100 Calorie Packs”. I was buying food that I would normally never even look twice at. I always completely SKIP the entire cookie/cracker aisle at the grocery store. I can see how people would end up eating more with these.
The one 100 Calorie Pack that I used to buy all the time were the Hostess Cupcakes and coffee cakes. One day on the way home from the store, I ate almost an ENTIRE BOX of them! It was insane. That was the last time that I bought them.
I don’t like 100 calorie snack packs. Even though they are small portions and only 100 calories, doesn’t mean they are “healthy” snacks. They are still processed junk food. Personally, I’d rather snack on something healthier like a piece of fruit, veggies, or nuts.
They’re not very cheap either, considering how much you are actually getting in each pack.
I don’t buy them because they are often $3.50+ just for a box and to me that is a waste. That and the fact that they are loaded with chemicals even though you’re only eating 3 tiny little 100 calories worth of oreos. If I’m going to have a snack, I’ll have some almonds, a cliff bar or an apple. Those are much more filling to me than a crappy pack of oreos that will only leave me wanting more. I agree that it works for some and that is perfectly fine!
I used to be a HUGE fan of the 100 calorie pack. I would have a couple different kinds in my house at any given time and when I would go to the States I would STOCK UP!! I remember coming home after one visit and my fiance said “honey, all you bought was junk food” and I was really offended stating that I needed my “treats”.
Since going gluten, dairy and (mostly) sugar free I’ve cut out the 100 calorie packs as a necessity. I couldn’t be happier! I don’t miss them. I don’t miss the waste. And I don’t miss the feelings of (sometimes) wanting more! They were great for portion control once in awhile, but I really didn’t need them in my life all the time. They really work for some people, but I can definitely see why they would cause others to overeat.
I feel so much healthier these days and my body is truly thanking me for it! When I want a treat I reach for fruit, nuts, coconut ice cream or the occasional gluten free baked good. We all need treats, but we also need moderation.
I get why they can work, but I’ve never bought them and don’t ever plan to. They are too expensive, not foods I normally eat anyways, and I want to control my own portions, thank you. If was in a crazy emotional-eating mode and had those around, I wouldn’t just eat one pack, you know? It’s just a marketing gimmick and a way for those companies to make money!
Hi Angela!! I don’t eat the 100 calorie packs. I try not to purchase processed foods.
By the way….I’ve been following your blog for a couple of days and I love it. Thank you for the great information you have posted. My husband and I tried your green monster last night and it was not at all what I expected – much, much better. I plan on having them for breakfast more often. Thanks again.
Amazing post here. Those 100 calorie packs have bothered me for so long. I regularly house sit for a woman who has about 10 varieties on hand at any given time. Honestly, I hate house-sitting sometimes because she says I can eat her food – but there’s nothing of substance anyway!
I won’t say that I didn’t jump on the 100-calorie pack bandwagon because I did. But you’re right – not enough bang for the buck, and what’s it really doing for you?
I hope this is coherent. Too many thoughts on this subject!
I wrote about this recently, and how frustrating it is that many people would feel less guilty eating one (or more) of these than something like a avocado. It takes away the idea of learning to portion control by hunger and common sense, and wastes SO much packaging! I love making my own trail mixes and putting out what I think I might need in a small bowl. If I need more, I have a bit more, and if I need less I don’t finish the bowl! As for chocolate-it’s best in big chunks-and I portion control by buying a tiny bag from the bulk section (which I can re-use later for snacks).
I hate them. They’re insulting to me, because they’re marketed as “guilt-free” treats. So.. we’re supposed to feel guilty for eating normal treats if we’re dieting or eating healthier? That’s the message I’m getting. No one should be guilty for eating ANYTHING. That’s the kind of crap that can lead an eating disorder on. Even if it does seem harmless, little messages like that from ads, especially when directed towards WOMEN, can really do some damage to someone in the long run.. I don’t like their marketing strategy and I think they cause more problems to dieters then they do actually help.
It’s not cost effeciant, it’s not good for the environment, it’s unsatifying. I’d rather go buy the real stuff and portion out my own goodies then buy that crap, either that.. or not buy those goodies at all! An apple will make me happier then a bite sized cookie any day.
I tried a few varieties of them. As far as portion control goes, they worked for me – I had no problem stopping at one pack. No, they don’t fill you up, but if you are watching your calories and you want a treat, 100 calories is fairly easy to fit into your meal plan.
That being said, the ones that I tried just didn’t taste that great to me, and if I’m going to have a “treat” I want it to be something good, so I don’t buy them anymore.
When I didn’t know much about nutrition I used to think those 100 cal packs were sent from heaven. hah! Knowledge is power, wouldn’t you say?
I used to eat them all the time too, but I agree, it’s so much better to have some real, filling, whole food! Just because it’s only 100 calories doesn’t mean it’s doing your body any good
Great post, Angela!
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