10 Store-Bought Desserts Dietitians Buy When They’re Craving Something Sweet
Many nutritionists advise choosing treats that are enjoyable and satisfying rather than focusing solely on nutrition labels.
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Many people assume desserts can't be part of a healthy diet. But according to dietitians, enjoying something sweet every now and then, or even every day, won't derail your health goals. In fact, taking an all-or-nothing approach to sweets can sometimes backfire, making desserts feel even more tempting and leading to feelings of deprivation.
Food serves many purposes beyond providing nutrients. It can bring joy, comfort, connection, celebration, and satisfaction. Rather than viewing desserts as "good" or "bad," many nutrition experts encourage a more balanced approach that makes room for foods you genuinely enjoy. When choosing a store-bought dessert, many dietitians advise looking for sweet treats that are enjoyable, satisfying, and convenient rather than focusing solely on labels like "low sugar" or "guilt-free."
So, what desserts do dietitians keep stocked in their homes? We asked nutrition experts to share their favorite store-bought desserts. Here are the products, they continue to reach for again and again!
Danielle Smiley’s, RDN, LDN, CD-N, favorite store-bought dessert is Jeni's Brown Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream. "The flavor is incredible," says Smiley. "The rich brown butter base paired with the sweet-and-salty almond brittle creates a dessert experience that feels special every time I eat it." She says the biggest factor in choosing a dessert is whether she truly enjoys it. A small serving of a favorite ice cream is often more satisfying than a larger serving of something chosen solely because it has a health claim on the package.
Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN is a fan of Double Stuf Oreos. "I love a Double Stuf Oreo," she says. "It's quick and easy to toss into a lunch bag for a sweet treat post lunch or to crumble on top of ice cream for a homemade cookies-and-cream sundae." Hardy appreciates the combination of crunchy chocolate cookies and creamy filling, noting that it delivers the perfect texture and flavor balance. She also points out that Oreos are widely available, affordable, and easy to share, making them a practical and satisfying dessert choice.
As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I look for desserts that provide both satisfaction and nutritional value, which is why I love Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate-Covered Macadamias. Macadamias offer a unique combination of heart-healthy fats and fiber that can help promote fullness and lasting energy. The convenient resealable bag makes it easy to enjoy a few pieces whenever a sweet craving strikes, whether you're at home, at work, or on-the-go. Plus, they offer a more balanced alternative to many desserts that may contain a significant amount of refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
Jenna Zaika, RD loves PC Vanilla Bean Mochi. "The soft outer layer and creamy vanilla filling are delicious, and they're especially yummy on a warm day," she says. Zaika especially loves their convenience and built-in portion control. The individually portioned treats come ready to enjoy straight from the freezer, making them an easy option for busy families. Their smaller, single-serve size can also make it easier to enjoy a sweet treat mindfully, while still satisfying a craving for something cool and creamy.
Sarah Kiel, RD, CSSD, reaches for Soom Sea Salt Chocolate Sesame Spread when she's craving something sweet. "It's decadent and interesting, with sea salt offering a briny crunch against the rich, slightly bitter notes of chocolate and tahini," she says. Tahini provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats along with minerals like calcium and iron, adding a little nutritional value alongside its rich flavor. Kiel loves serving this spread over vanilla ice cream and appreciates its straightforward ingredient list and allergen-friendly formulation, making it a dessert everyone in her household can enjoy!
Several dietitians named Tru Fru Frozen Fresh Strawberries and Raspberries as their favorite sweet treats. Lisa Valente, M.S., RD, says they're a staple in her freezer. "They're coated in layers of chocolate and one bite is the perfect little sweet treat." Meridan Zerner, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, CHWC, agrees. "They offer some natural sweetness from the fruit with a little delicious chocolate on the outside. Win-win." The combination of fruit and chocolate, along with convenient freezer storage, makes them an easy dessert to keep on hand.
For Valente, Kind Frozen Ice Cream Bars provde the perfect balance of taste and portion size. "These frozen bars are nutty, chocolatey, and always hit the spot," she says. "The portion size is perfect for me." She also appreciates that they leave her feeling satisfied without feeling overly heavy, making them an easy after-dinner treat. Made with nuts, these bars provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats along with a small amount of protein, which can help add to their staying power and satisfying texture.
Kirsten Seele, MFN, RD, CSOWM, LD, NBC-HWC is a fan of Yasso's Chocolate Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Sandwiches. "The first reason I love this treat is obvious — chocolate and peanut butter is one of the best combinations," she says. The single-serving packaging makes portioning simple, while the 5 grams of protein help make the dessert feel satisfying. Protein plays an important role in supporting fullness, which may help keep you satisfied longer after eating. Seele notes that she doesn't choose desserts solely based on protein content, but considers the added protein a nice bonus alongside the flavor and convenience.
Jennifer Fedie, RDN, LDN, loves Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. She keeps them in the freezer, which gives them an extra-crunchy texture and helps make a small portion feel satisfying. In addition to delivering the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these treats offer a little nutritional staying power thanks to the peanut butter filling. The peanut butter filling adds rich flavor along with heart-healthy unsaturated fats and a little protein, making these cups a satisfying sweet treat. Fedie also likes that they're easy to enjoy during celebrations or shared moments with family.
Sara Wisehart, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, keeps Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars stocked for her family. "My whole household, including my 7-year-old daughter, loves these," she says. Wisehart appreciates that they're individually wrapped, portion-controlled, and available in a variety of flavors. Plus, they help satisfy an ice cream craving while remaining convenient and family-friendly. As an added bonus, the Greek yogurt provides a little protein, which can help make the bars more satisfying than some traditional frozen desserts.
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