Are Rice Cakes Healthy?

Rice cakes are a popular snack food among dieters intent on watching their calorie intake. These crunchy snack treats are often used as a low calorie substitute for potato chips, crackers, and other unhealthy treats that are "off limits" to those who are counting calories. Although theyre often considered a diet food, are they really as good snack option? Are rice cakes healthy?

Are rice cakes healthy?: Whats Good About Them?

The average rice cake is low in calories - averaging about thirty-five calories per cake; and theyre also very low in fat. The primary advantage of eating a rice cake is that its filling - making it less likely youll reach for something higher in calories and fat such as potato chips or cookies. Rice cakes provide a satisfying "crunch" that some people look for in a snack food - without all the calories.

Are rice cakes healthy?: Whats Bad About Them?

The down side of eating rice crackers is they dont offer much in the way of nutritional value. Even brown rice cakes are pretty devoid of substance. They have very little in the way of vitamins, and the only mineral of any significance in brown rice crackers is manganese. Theyre even devoid of fiber - despite the fact that theyre made with brown rice. Theyre also relatively high in carbs and have a high glycemic index which wont work well for diabetics or anyone whos watching their carbohydrate intake. Rice cakes may be fun to crunch on, but theyre not supplying significant nutritional value and they certainly arent a good option for a low carb eating plan.

Are rice cakes healthy? The Bottom Line?

Rice cakes certainly arent impressive in the nutrition department, but theyre not a bad snack option if used as a substitute for chips and cookies. One way to make them more nutritious and filling is to top them with a thin layer of peanut butter to add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Sprinkle on a little cinnamon to boost insulin sensitivity and further stimulate weight loss. You can also spread rice crackers with almond butter, tahini, or hummus to make them tastier and more nutritious. All-in-all, youre better off eating a piece of fresh fruit or a cup of sugar-free yogurt in lieu of these overly processed treats, but if you like the taste and they keep you from eating junk food, they serve a useful function.

References:

http://www.nutritiondata.com