Recently while I was at my daughter’s middle school, I noticed groups of teenagers devouring bags of Takis and Cheetos. The purple with yellow and orange bags were scattered around lunch tables and near trash cans. Why is this snack food so popular?

I did a little research online and discovered that medical professionals have compared spicy snack foods to “mild opiate addiction”. The burning sensation teens get eating these zero nutrient snacks, produces a dramatic effect from the peppers and spices in Takis and Frito Lay “dangerously cheesy” Hot Cheetos. Eating a bag, causes a release of natural opioids (endorphins) in bodies. It makes teens feel good (at least until the opiate is gone) and then they feel the need to eat more.

Throughout the years, these addictive snack are distressing overindulgent kids, landing them in them in the doctors office while suffering from gastritis, an inflamed stomach lining. Doctors say these very spicy snacks can change the pH balance in the stomach, making it painfully acidic. People are suffering from stomach aches, burning throat irritation, diarrhea and indigestion.

There is no nutritional value in chemically created “non-foods” filled with saturated fats, trans-fats, and dangerous chemicals that include monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium, artificial chemicals, flavors, and colors.

Last month while at a All Products – Consumer Products Event in Century City, CA, I discovered a healthier alternative – Peatos by Snack It Forward. While meeting Marcus Seiden, the Chief Marketing Officer for the company, he shared how Peatos is disrupting the $25 billion dollar junk food segment by making healthier crispy snacks food industry.

Giving me some Peatos samples to try, I immediately discovered a cleaner taste than the unhealthy fried corn cheesy and spicy snack foods. Seiden told me Peatos are made with plant-protein based Pulses that are part of the hottest food trend – peas, lentils and beans. They have no artificial colors, artificial flavors, but are non-GMO and gluten-free. Pulses are sustainable and rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron and folates offering substance.

Here’s are 5 difference between Peatos and Cheetos:

1. Peatos has 4 grams of protein, instead of 2 grams.
2. It offers 3 grams of fiber, instead of barely 1 gram.
3. The same serving size of Peatos is 130 calories, compared with 160 calories.
4. Even the fat and sodium is less than Cheetos.
5. Both deliver a bold cheese flavor and big crunch snacking experience, yet Cheetos basically has empty calories.

Peatos flavors include Classic Cheese, Fiery Hot, Masala, and Chili Cheese. They are available in portion controlled snack bags and 3 oz. to share with others.

World Peas Peatos^™ are just the beginning of Snack it Forward’s mission to revolutionize the way people view salty “junk food” snacks.

Where do you get Peatos? Look in your produce section. In Southern California you can get them at Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions, Albertson and they are in Kroger nationwide. In the Northern California you can find them in Safeway.Northeast Peatos are available at Walmart. To learn more go to PEATOS