4 Unhealthy Nigerian Snacks We Can’t Help But Love
Staff Writer
A major part of the Nigerian culture is our love for food. We are a nation blessed with hundreds of colourful and flavourful cuisines, made with tender care and love. So who can blame us?
Our locally made snacks are lovely as well, with their diverse appealing tastes, colours and textures. But sadly, some of these foods are served with side-helpings of unwanted calories. Their modes of preparation, in some cases, are also not the best in terms of hygiene.
We’ve put together a list of popular snacks that are great to eat but aren’t the healthiest of choices. Please note that we aren’t insisting you drop these snacks from your diet completely. Moderation is key to living a healthy life.
1. Gala (beef roll snack)
I smile while writing this, knowing fully well that Gala’s my favourite guilty pleasure. This chewy snack is a quick fix when starving on-the-go but is stuffed with beef and has a unique starchy covering. Let’s not forget its fizzy accompaniment, La Casera.
2. Puff-puff balls/Buns
These treats are certainly yummy to eat, but let’s face it: they are fried balls of dough with a very high sugar content. Also, buns that are fried and served on the street are usually exposed to dust and insects – very unhealthy!
3. Chin-chin
We love to nibble on handfuls at Nigerian parties and events. But sadly, the word chin chin is code for fried pieces of flour, loaded with salt and sugar.
4. Agege bread
For as low as N50, a loaf of agege bread (best eaten with butter or beans) is enough to fill you up till lunch time. It’s tasty too and nicely soft-textured (especially when it’s fresh). However, its additive – potassium bromate – is said to cause cancer in humans, as warned by science experts.
Did we miss out any of your personal favourites? Do let us know in the comments section!
About the Writer: Ify Halim is a young Creative and a promoter of values through the force that is writing. Follow her on twitter: @MissHalim
