National Junk Food Day 2021
We all have a cheat day every now and then, don’t we deserve to treat ourselves? Well, treat yourself to this tasty holiday. National Junk Food Day is here!
Though it’s not recommended to eat too much junk food for various health reasons including obesity and heart disease, it is OK to enjoy treats like sodas, chips, popcorn, candy, cookies, sugary cereals every now and then, according to Healthline.
Junk Food History!
1940
Though plenty of candies and sodas were invented and released in the 1940s – including Mountain Dew and M&Ms – one of the biggest snacks invented was Cheetos. According to Insider, Cheetos was invented in Dallas, Texas, by Fritos founder Charles Elmer Doolin in 1948.
1950
The 1950s brought treats including the Hot Tamales candies in 1950, Eggo Waffles and Cheez Whiz in 1953, and Trix Cereal in 1954. In 1953, Kraft introduced Cheez Whiz, according to NPR.
1960
One of the biggest snacks of the 1960s that we still enjoy today are Doritos, which were invented in 1966 at a Frito Lay restaurant in Disneyland, according to Insider. Other treats invented in the 60s include Oatmeal Creme Pies, Starburst, Sprite, and Pop-Tarts.
1970
In the 1970s, Wally Amos launched Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies and Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Jelly Belly also started making their own jelly beans in 1976.
1980
The 1980s saw the launch of microwave popcorn, the release of Diet Coke, and the invention of Bagel Bites and Sour Patch Kids.
1990
Gushers were launched in 1991, while the famed Dunkaroos were first released in 1992 by Betty Crocker. Meanwhile, Hershey’s released its Cookies ‘n’ Creme bar in 1993.
2000
Two major innovations in junk food came in 2004 with the release of the Take 5 candy bar and the launch of Mountain Dew Baja Blast exclusively at Taco Bells, according to The Daily Meal.
Some of the most popular but unhealthy junk food choices
Pop-Tarts
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts have been around since the 1960s. These pastries have a sweet filling and are often glazed with an outer coating of frosting as well. Pop-Tarts can be a tempting breakfast choice when you’re short on time. You can store them at room temperature and quickly prepare them in a toaster.
But despite their convenience, Pop-Tarts contain highly processed ingredients, including soybean oil and refined flour. Plus, they are loaded with three types of sugar: refined white sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup. All of these consist of large amounts of fructose, a simple sugar that has been linked to an increased risk of several diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are a State Fair favorite across the US. They’re made by dipping a frankfurter in cornbread batter and then deep-frying it until golden brown. The calorie and macronutrient values of corn dogs aren’t as concerning as many other junk foods. One corn dog contains 330 calories, 34 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein (24). However, corn dogs contain processed meat, which several studies have linked to an increased risk of colon cancer and heart disease
Sugar-Sweetened Soda
Sugar-sweetened soda is one of the unhealthiest liquid junk foods you can consume due to its high fructose content. In fact, research suggests that consuming fructose in beverage form may be especially risky with respect to heart disease and obesity (32Trusted Source).
In one study, overweight and obese adults who consumed 25% of calories as fructose-sweetened beverages on a weight-maintenance diet experienced reduced insulin sensitivity, increased belly fat, and worsening of heart health markers.
Park Ave Magazine
Find out about Orlando Advertising opportunities with Park Ave Magazine. We would like to thank everyone who put time and effort to bring Park Ave Magazine to life. Be sure to check out our latest issue. The magazine is full of exciting articles, art, photography, and trivia about the city of Winter Park.
With plenty more monthly releases to come, sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with our team. Monthly events and parties to meet all of your wonderful people make Winter Park an incredible place to work, play, and live. Reach over 600,000 individuals through our Orlando Advertising services. Park Ave Magazine has gone virtual so be sure to back soon and often!
