Summary of 7 ‘Healthy’ Breakfast Orders With More Sugar Than a Can of Coke:
Many fast-food breakfasts are loaded with empty calories and added sugars, but some restaurant chains have made an effort to include healthier alternatives. However, some seemingly “healthy” menu items are actually overloaded with sugar, which can lead to weight gain, increased risk of chronic disease, energy crashes, and dental problems. It is generally recommended to keep added sugars to a minimum and prioritize whole, unprocessed foods. The American Heart Association suggests that women should aim for no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day, while men should aim for no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day. To help consumers identify which fast-food breakfasts are genuinely good for them, a list of fast-food breakfast orders with sugar content exceeding that of a 12-ounce can of Coke has been compiled.
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Is Your “Healthy” Fast-Food Breakfast Actually Packed with Sugar?
Introduction:
As many of us have busy schedules, we often choose to grab quick fast-food for breakfast. However, finding a nutritious meal from the drive-thru can be challenging as many fast-food breakfasts are loaded with empty calories and added sugars. Read on to find out which seemingly “healthy” fast-food breakfasts actually have more sugar than a can of Coca-Cola to ensure that your breakfast really is nutritious!
How much is too much sugar with breakfast?
According to Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD, an average adult should aim to keep added sugars to a minimum for a healthy wholesome breakfast. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that women should aim for no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day, while men should aim for no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day. Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility, recommends limiting your added sugar intake at breakfast to around one-third of your daily allotment, which would be about 3 teaspoons (12 grams) for men and about 2 teaspoons (8 grams) for women maximum. Eating too many grams of sugar in your breakfast is associated with weight gain, an increased risk of chronic disease, energy crashes, and dental problems.
Which fast-food breakfasts contain more sugar than a 12-ounce can of Coke?
Dunkin’ blueberry muffins contain 45 grams of sugar, while Au Bon Pain’s Blueberry Yogurt & Wild Blueberry Parfait contains the same amount of sugar per serving. Panera Bread’s Cranberry Orange Muffin contains 42 grams of sugar per single muffin, and their seasonal Pumpkin Muffin packs an extra sugary punch at 40 grams of sugar per muffin. Meanwhile, Wendy’s Fresh-Baked Oatmeal Bars contain 46 calories’ worth of sugar for every two bars.
Conclusion:
In summary, it is important to keep the sugar content of your breakfast as low as possible or opt for foods with little-to-no added sugars. By being aware of the recommended daily limits for sugar consumption and recognizing the menu items that contain excess amounts of sugar in fast-food restaurants, you can make informed decisions about your breakfast. So next time you visit a fast-food chain for breakfast, remember to check the nutritional labels and keep your added sugar intake in check!
