Are Cheetos Bad for You? (Alternatives Included)

Cheetos are one of the most well-known foods worldwide. Their cheesy scent, orange hue, and melt-in-your-mouth texture provide pleasure and achievement to your whole body. They are tasty delights, but are Cheetos unhealthy for you like other snacks?

Cheetos, as a processed, high-fat snack, raise the risk of various health concerns such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some malignancies. Cheetos are a delicious snack that you can never have just one of, but they are an unhealthy and artificial food that is detrimental for your health.

You may have a tiny quantity of Cheetos every now and again, but you should be aware that there are healthier and more enjoyable foods available. Below, I’ll attempt to provide you some facts that will help you better understand why artificial foods are so addicting, what constitutes a healthy snack, and even some suggestions for healthy snacks you may eat instead of Cheetos.

Why Are Cheetos so Addictive? 

Cheetos are addictive because they were designed to be such. When I say manufactured, I mean that Frito-Lay, the business that owns Cheetos, employed a team of scientists, technologists, and even phycologists to produce a unique snack. It should be perfectly crispy, smell good, and leave you with that satisfying taste in your tongue and well-done sensation in your head that only artificial treats can.

This crunchy, cheesy nibble is one of the most well-thought-out snacks on the market. If not, we’ll see.

A Cheeto melts instantaneously in your mouth and does not need chewing. You are not required to work on it. Because you are not content with the quantity of food you have eaten, your brain will feel as though it hasn’t eaten much, enabling you to continue. Still, there are calories, fat, and salt (sodium), and none of these are beneficial for your health.

The second factor that makes Cheetos so irresistible is their blandness. They do not have a strong taste. They smell like cheese, but do they taste like cheese? No. According to studies, highly seasoned snacks offer you a sense of pleasure and fullness sooner, while bland foods, such as Cheetos, merely keep you going.

Why Are Cheetos Unhealthy?

Cheetos are the polar opposite of what we want in a healthy snack. They are heavy in fat, carbs, and salt, with just a little proportion of protein. This does not exclude you from ever eating Cheetos again. It implies you can eat them, but not as a go-to snack, and not on a regular or large scale.

But, after all, what characteristics should we search for in a nutritious snack? You should opt for something that will satisfy your appetite without making you feel the urge to consume additional food. Unfortunately, most shop snacks are heavy in processed carbohydrates and sugar. This implies they’ll make you feel good but won’t be a wonderful, nutritious, healthy snack that will fulfill your food desires.

There are numerous possibilities, but shopping for protein-rich snacks is simpler and easier. Protein is what makes you feel full and satisfied. When you consume protein-rich foods, your body produces appetite-suppressing hormones, which delay digestion and balance blood sugar levels while increasing your energy.

The issue today is whether Cheetos are strong in protein while being low in carbohydrates and sugar. Cheetos contain 10 grams of fat, 13 grams of carbohydrate, 250 mg of sodium, 1 gram of sugar, and 2 grams of protein in a single serving (about 28 grams). [1] When we look at the numbers, the answer is straightforward. Cheetos are not a healthy snack and should not be used as a quick fix on busy days.

Are Cheetos Healthier Than Chips?

Cheetos are not healthier than chips, but the opposite is also true. Both are high-fat, processed foods that do not qualify as healthy. Because there are so many different potato chips, I opted to compare Cheetos to Lays Potato Chips because they are made by the same business and are the most popular among Americans.

You now have the nutritional information for a 28-gram portion of Cheetos. This single serving has 150 calories (approximately 8% of an adult’s daily calorie requirement).

So, what about the chips? The same serving has 160 calories, which is more than the Cheetos, but the same grams of fat and protein, slightly more carbs (15 vs. 16), and somewhat less salt (140 mg). [2]

Based on the statistics, the answer to the question “Are Cheetos healthier than Chips?” is no, but Chips are also not healthier than Cheetos. They are both harmful to your health and should not be included in a balanced diet.

Are Cheetos or Doritos Better for You? 

Doritos contain the same amount of protein and 3 grams more carbs as Cheetos while being lower in fat, salt, and calories. [3]

As a result, the same solution applies to the chips quandary. None of them are beneficial for your health, but if you had to choose one, I’d say Doritos comes out on top.

Are Cheetos Ok to Eat?

Even though Cheetos are not the healthiest food in the world, you may eat them on occasion and in little amounts. Even if you are desiring junk food, there are healthier snack choices to select from.

Cheetos Puffs White Cheddar, which contains half the calories of the regular Cheetos, is an even healthier variant. The White Cheddar Cheetos are made from organic cornmeal and have less fat and sugar.

When you’re wanting junk, salty meals, there are many better and healthier alternatives you may try. Here are some suggestions [4]:

Hard-boiled eggs: with 6 grams of protein, this portable snack will keep you full between meals while also assisting you in lowering your daily calorie consumption.

Cheddar cheese slices (1-2 oz): in addition to being high in protein (7 grams per serving), cheese is also high in calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. It’s simple to make and transport, but keep in mind that it’s heavy in calories, so consume it in moderation.

22 almonds: the equivalent of one handful of almonds has 6 grams of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E, and it may even help you lose weight.

Apple slices with peanut butter: strong in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium, this combination will not only satisfy you but will also help you regulate your good and bad cholesterol.

Edamame: a quick and simple snack, one cup of edamame has 17 grams of protein (yes, you read that properly, 17).