Are Madeleines Bad For You?
Short answer
Madeleines are bad for you. They have some ingredients that by themselves may be good, but when mixed with sugar, fat, and cholesterol, they lose just about all nutritional value.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Madeleines are a pastry originating from the Lorraine region of France in the late 18th century. There are many varieties, but the basic idea of a madeleine is that it is Genovese cake batter baked in pans that have shell-like depressions. Genovese cake is much like Spanish cake in that it gains its thickness due to air, rather than leavening.
Madeleines contain the aforementioned Genovese cake, vanilla, chocolate, sugar, milk, and egg. Often they will also have finely ground nuts such as almond and/or lemon zest. As a finishing touch, madeleines are often coated in jam and dried coconut and given a glazed cherry topping.
The one good thing about madeleines from a health perspective is that they are low in sodium. Having too much sodium increases your risk of kidney failure, not to mention heart attack and stroke. However, madeleines are also low in every important nutrient. With nearly 9 grams of sugar per serving, eating a few madeleines in one sitting can cause a sugar spike and lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes when consumed on a daily basis. Furthermore, the sugar combined with the well over 100 calories per serving and high amounts of fat and cholesterol can also significantly increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Anyone allergic to ingredients such as milk or eggs (or any of the other ingredients used to make madeleines) will want to avoid this particular food. Lastly, with just 1% of the daily value needed for dietary fiber, madeleines will not aid the body in getting rid of excess cholesterol.
Possible short-term side effects
- overeating
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blood sugar spike
Possible long-term side effects
- diabetes
-
obesity
-
heart disease
-
cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Trader Joe's Madeleines
- Gluten-free treat
- Convenient pack size
- Rich, buttery flavor
- Sweet snack option
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-24-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-24-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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