Pre-packaged desserts that are high in sugar and saturated fat, like donuts, are the scourge of nutritionists and dieters alike, but there’s heartening news that Americans are eating about one-quarter less of them today than in years past.
Such “ready-to-eat grain-based desserts” are pre-packaged consumer baked goods such as cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts, and pastries, which are often referred to as “empty calories,” because their significant amount of sugar, and saturated fat to Americans' diets lead primarily to weight gain.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina decided to examine the issue from two vantage points; they wanted to see if manufacturers had lowered the sugar and fat content of these foods, making them more healthful, and they also wanted to find out if there was any change in quantity of them that was being consumed.
They surveyed consumer purchases of these products between 2005 and 2012 and found that little had been done to make these products more nutritious. But, on the other hand, they found that purchases had decreased by 24 percent.
The study also shows that the marketing of these products should be continually monitored to make sure that manufacturers do not try to use misleading labeling to fool consumers into thinking these products are healthy, said Dr. Kevin Mathias, the study’s lead author.
© 2025 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.