Crunchy Delight or Hidden Risk? The Rice Cake Reality Check

A Snack Light as Air

Do you also keep a pack of rice cakes stashed in your pantry for those sudden snack cravings? We simply adore them for their lightness and that signature crunch. The way they are made sounds like a little kitchen science project where rice grains are heated under high pressure until they literally puff up. The result is a wonderfully airy snack that usually boasts an impressively short list of ingredients. Often it is just puffed rice and a pinch of salt or a drop of oil making them look like an absolute must-have for a healthy lifestyle at first glance.

The Flip Side of the Crunch

However there is a downside to our favorite quick bite that should especially catch the attention of parents. Recent studies have found traces of arsenic and cadmium which are naturally absorbed from the soil by the rice plant. Because rice cakes are so concentrated more of these substances end up in your system than we might like. This can be a concern particularly for the smallest foodies among us as their bodies react much more sensitively to these heavy metals. This does not mean you have to banish them forever but being mindful of how often they are served is definitely a good idea.

Mindful Munching

As so often in the world of food the magic word here is variety. While some nutrition experts suggest caution others give the green light as long as you do not polish off the entire pack by yourself every single day. Rice cakes remain a fantastic alternative to greasy chips or sugary treats when you need that crunchy fix. So next time you are at the store why not try some spelt or corn cakes for a change to keep your snack game colorful and balanced because in the end it is all about the right portion size.

photo by Mina Elmakchi via unplash