2024-01-19 18:07:00
In hectic everyday life with children, practical snacks on the go are indispensable. Corn snacks and rice cakes are among the popular options. It’s no wonder parents wonder which one is the better choice. The consumer magazine Eco-Test compared both snacks in four important categories. You can read more about it here.
Corn snacks vs. rice cakes: The big eco-test
The popular snacks were compared in four categories at Öko-Test. This includes:
1. Simplicity
The first category highlights the user-friendliness of the snacks. Both rice cakes and corn snacks score points here. The puffed treats disintegrate quickly in the mouth, which is particularly important for babies and toddlers. Even those with only two teeth can safely chew on them without choking. Compared to some other toddler-friendly fruits, the corn and rice varieties are also less greasy.
Similar to porridge, corn snacks and rice cakes are easy to eat. Photo: imago imageas/Westend61 /
2. Nutrients
A look at the nutrients reveals that neither rice cakes nor corn snacks are considered true power packs. Rice cakes show up low in healthy fiber, unless you choose the whole grain version. Corn snacks, on the other hand, can have around three grams of fiber per 100 grams. Both snacks deliver little protein, but they shine because they hardly any saturated fats contain. There is also a wide selection of sugar-free options, as long as you check the nutritional table for hidden sugar.
However, it is worth being careful with some “coated” rice cakes. Here he can Sugar content up to 30 percent amount, which can be seen in the small print in the nutritional table. Another tip: Pay attention to the salt content, especially in products for children. Not everyone adheres to WHO recommendations regarding sodium content.
3. Focus on pollutants
In the third category, Öko-Test took a critical look at possible pollutants. Rice cakes are under special observation here because they are often included carcinogenic inorganic arsenic are burdened. This is because rice plants absorb naturally occurring arsenic from the earth’s crust. Cadmium and acrylamide were also detected in some cases.
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With corn snacks are Mold toxins are an isolated problem. Nevertheless, the ingredient analyzes revealed more recommendable products, with four “very good” and three “good” ratings.
4. Climate impact
The final comparison factor concerns the climate footprint. This shows that corn products are in terms of CO₂ emissions perform better than rice cakes. The production of animal components in our diet causes the majority of emissions, but rice of all things causes them a particularly high climate impact. One kilogram of rice represents 3.1 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents, while canned corn only causes 1.2 CO₂ equivalents.
Corn snacks narrowly win against rice cakes. Photo: IMAGO Images / addictive stock
The bottom line: Healthy choices for your child
In summary, corn snacks narrowly win against rice cakes in the Öko-Test comparison. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that both options are not considered the ultimate for a balanced diet. A combination with fresh fruit or vegetables can be a useful addition to the snacks, always tailored to what the child can safely chew.
Alternatively are also available Fruit, vegetables or whole grain bread as healthy alternatives, especially from a certain age. When it comes to snacks suitable for on the go, a cereal and fruit porridge could be the perfect solution for the afternoon. Spelled waffles and puffed millet products have not been tested, but they deliver more fiber and protein than corn and rice. Millet is also a good source of iron.
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