Are Uncrustables Bad For You?
Also Known As: Smucker's Uncrustables, sealed crustless sandwich
Short answer
Uncrustables are indeed bad for you due to the high levels of high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and processed bread. It is OK to have one every once in a while, but should not be considered part of one's diet.
Recommended Alternative
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.
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
Uncrustables consist of peanut butter, some sort of fruit jam, and white bread. The peanut butter consists of hydrogenated vegetable oils, sugar, and other chemicals that allow the product to be preserved. The jelly contains high in fructose corn syrup and preservatives which make this product very unhealthy. The bread also contains corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable / soybean oils. Most of the ingredients in the peanut butter and jelly are chemically processed which strips the nutrients, leaving a completely non-nutritious product.
Do not be tricked with the Uncrustables products that are on whole wheat bread with reduced sugar. Although this may be true, the product still contains hydrogenated oils, azodicarbonamide, corn syrup, and mono / diglycerides that are not good for one's diet. For example, azodicarbonamide can cause allergic and respiratory reactions. The trans fat in the Uncrustables promotes obesity, high cholesterol levels, risk of clogged arteries, and inflammation. Mono and diglycerides are known to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
All of these ingredients are only there to improve and extend the shelf life of the products, not to provide you with a nutrient rich meal. It is definitely more beneficial to one's diet to purchase fresher and more organic products. Overall, Uncrustables are deemed non-nutritious because the ingredients are chemically altered (stripping the nutrients) and contain unhealthy sources of sugars and fats.
Possible short-term side effects
- fatigue
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increased blood sugar
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possible allergic reaction
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respiratory reactions
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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diabetes
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increased cholesterol
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stroke
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heart disease
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inflammation
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Nature's Path Toaster Pastries
- Organic ingredients
- Rich maple flavor
- Non-GMO
- Convenient snack
- Preservative-free
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023