Skip to content

Free US Shipping on Orders $40+

Build a Custom Box With Your Favorites!

Skout Organic

Ditch the Junk: 5 Easy Pantry Swaps for National Junk Food Day

Let’s face it—junk food has earned its name. Full of artificial ingredients, added sugars, and mystery oils, many of the pantry staples we grew up with are now known culprits of sluggish energy and poor nutrition.

But here’s the thing: in 2025, “packaged” doesn’t have to mean “unhealthy.” Today’s shelves are full of cleaner, better-for-you options that don’t sacrifice flavor or convenience. And what better day to talk about smart swaps than National Junk Food Day?

Here are 5 easy pantry upgrades to help you kick the junk, while still keeping snack time fun:

1. Swap: Artificial Fruit Snacks → Real Fruit Leathers or Freeze-Dried Fruit

Fruit snacks are often more candy than fruit. If “gelatin” and “corn syrup” are in the first few ingredients, it’s time to trade up.

✨ Try instead: Organic fruit leathers or freeze-dried fruit

These pack the same fun texture and sweetness, but are made with actual fruit—that's a win.

Shop here

2. Swap: Sugary Granola Bars → Skout Organic Kids Snack Bars

Granola bars are often dressed up as health food—but under the hood, many are packed with added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

✨ Try instead: Skout Organic Kids Snack Bars

Made with 7 or less simple ingredients you can pronounce, these bars are soft, chewy, and kid-approved (though let’s be honest—parents are snacking on them, too). With no added sugar in most flavors, they’re a sweet treat without the sugar crash.

🧃 Pro tip: Keep a box in your car, lunch bag, or desk drawer. They’re perfect for on-the-go fuel.

Shop here

3. Swap: Cheese Balls → Better Cheese Balls

We love a crunchy, salty bite—but many traditional cheese puffs are deep fried and dyed neon orange.

✨ Try instead: Seed-oil free, cheddar-y cheese balls with all organic ingredients.

These give you all the crunch, without the inflammatory ingredients.

Shop here

4. Swap: Conventional Cookies → Clean Cookies with Real Ingredients

Sometimes you just want a cookie—and that’s okay! But most packaged cookies are a far cry from homemade.

✨ Try instead: Look for brands making organic cookies with real ingredients

Think: coconut sugar, coconut oil, and flavors from real ingredients.

(👀 Keep an eye out for the Skout Soft-Baked Cookie line for an easy, clean indulgence!)

Shop here

5. Swap: Soda → Sparkling Water with Real Fruit

Soda is one of the biggest sources of added sugar in the average American diet—and one of the easiest swaps to make.

✨ Try instead: Sparkling water with a splash of juice or real fruit

Brands like Spindrift, Aura Bora, or make-your-own with fresh citrus slices. You still get the bubbles, but none of the sugar rush.

Shop here

Snack Swaps Made Easy

SHOP ALL
Back to shopping
Your cart is currently empty
Shop Now

Search our store