10 Aldi Snacks That Aren’t Exactly Good for You

Snacks are supposed to be fun, and Aldi has plenty of them that feel like instant comfort. The catch is that some of the tastiest picks on the shelves come with more sugar, fat, and sodium than you might expect. A lot of these snacks are fine as an occasional treat, but making them a daily habit can add up in ways your body won’t thank you for. To help you shop smarter, here are ten popular Aldi snacks that might taste good in the moment but aren’t exactly good for you.

Clancy’s Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips

These chips are Aldi’s answer to Doritos, and they taste just as cheesy and salty. A single ounce clocks in at 150 calories with 8 grams of fat and nearly 200 milligrams of sodium. The trouble is that nobody really stops at one ounce, which makes the numbers add up quickly. They also use artificial colors and flavors to achieve that signature look and taste. It is fine for a party bowl, but turning to these regularly isn’t doing your body any favors.

Baker’s Treat Chocolate Cupcakes

These are Aldi’s version of Hostess Cupcakes, complete with cream filling and chocolate icing. One cake comes with 160 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 18 grams of sugar. The sodium content is surprisingly high at 220 milligrams, which is about 10 percent of what you should have in a day. They also list hydrogenated oils, which are linked to trans fats. As nostalgic as they look, they are more of a sugar bomb than a snack.

Clancy’s Cheese Curls

Anyone who has snacked on these knows how quickly the bag disappears. A serving has 150 calories, 11 grams of fat, and more than 200 milligrams of sodium. They also contain additives like disodium phosphate, which are safe in small amounts but not something you need more of. The orange dust that lingers on your fingers is a good reminder of just how processed these are. If you want a crunch, plain popcorn or nuts would be a much better option.

Specially Selected Dark Chocolate Butter Cookies

The packaging makes these cookies feel fancy, but the nutrition label tells the real story. Just two cookies have 140 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 11 grams of sugar. Nearly half of the fat is saturated, which isn’t great if you eat more than one serving. The buttery base, combined with a thick chocolate shell, makes them especially heavy. They look like a holiday gift box treat, but they are loaded with ingredients that don’t belong in an everyday snack.

Lunch Buddies Fruit Flavored Snacks

These gummy packs market themselves with the word “fruit,” but there is barely any real fruit inside. Most of the sweetness comes from corn syrup and sugar, with apple juice concentrate thrown in for flavor. A pouch has 80 calories and 14 grams of added sugar, which is almost a third of your daily limit. With vague “natural flavors” listed, you have no idea what’s really in them. At the end of the day, these are closer to candy than a healthy snack.

Millville Frosted Flakes

Aldi’s Millville Frosted Flakes look and taste just like the classic brand, but the nutrition label makes it clear they are more sugar than substance. One cup has around 140 calories and 13 grams of sugar, which is nearly as much as you’d get from a cookie. The flakes are made from refined corn with a frosted coating that adds sweetness without providing any fiber or protein. That means you get a quick energy spike followed by a crash, leaving you hungry soon after. Pairing it with milk adds some balance, but as a stand-alone breakfast or snack, it leans heavily toward dessert territory.

Clancy’s Wavy Potato Chips

These are made for dipping, which makes it easy to eat way more than a serving without noticing. Fifteen chips come in at 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 140 milligrams of sodium. Because they’re fried at high heat, they can also contain acrylamide, a chemical linked to potential health concerns. Pairing them with dip only piles on more fat and calories. They may taste satisfying, but they don’t offer anything positive nutritionally.

Benton’s Peanut Butter Filled Fudge Cookies

Peanut butter and fudge might sound like the ultimate combo, but these cookies are heavy hitters. Just two cookies have 160 calories, 9 grams of fat, and nearly 20 percent of your daily saturated fat. They also pack 9 grams of sugar and use palm oil and corn syrup solids, which are common in processed foods. The rich flavor makes them tempting, but nutritionally they are a quick way to max out your daily limits. If you are craving peanut butter, a spoonful from the jar is a better option.

Sundae Shoppe Ice Cream Sandwiches

These freezer favorites are fun in the summer, but they are far from light. One sandwich has around 180 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 16 grams of sugar. They are made with refined flour, sweetened ice cream, and artificial flavorings that don’t offer much in terms of nutrition. The portion size makes it easy to eat two without thinking, doubling the numbers fast. If you want a frozen treat, fruit popsicles are a much less heavy choice.

Clancy’s Kettle Chips

Kettle-style chips might seem better because they feel more natural, but they’re still fried in oil and heavily salted. A single serving is about 150 calories with 9 grams of fat and nearly 200 milligrams of sodium. The crunch makes them addictive, and once you dip them into anything, the nutrition profile gets even worse. Flavored versions like jalapeño or barbecue often add extra sugar and seasonings. They taste great, but they are one of those snacks best enjoyed once in a while, not every day.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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