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35 Most Popular Cookies in America—Ranked!

Find out if your favorite supermarket cookie is a harmless sweet treat or a sinful indulgence.

Just how naughty is your favorite cookie—are you committing a dietary misdemeanor, or a nutritional felony? And which of our most popular cookie brands are most likely to cause a sleeve-emptying binge? Because they're nothing more than little diskettes of empty calories, most cookies lack the fiber, protein and healthy fats that tell our bodies "Thanks, I'm full." As a result, cookie number one is often just the first step to cookie number 13. Adios, weight loss.

To satisfy your cookie jones, try pairing your favorite brand with something healthy and high in protein (that's why God gave us milk, after all), and don't make cookies your go-to snack. If you're hungry, eat something of substance first, then have a cookie or two as a topper. To see where your favorite brand falls in the nutritional hierarchy, check out this exclusive new ranking, compiled by the dedicated team at Eat This, Not That! 

FROM BEST TO WORST…

Kashi Chocolate Almond Butter

Kashi Chocolate Almond Butter

Nutrition (1 cookie, 30 g): 130 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 80 mg sodium, 19 g carbs (4 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 3 g protein

These cookies are mostly made of nutritious whole grains like triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) and buckwheat, a slow-burning whole grain. Almond butter, dark chocolate chips and crunchy almonds are all ingredients with proven weight-loss benefits. They're just three of the best snacks for weight loss!

Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate

Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate

Nutrition (1 cookie, 30 g): 130 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (4 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 2 g protein

Made with wholesome ingredients like whole-grain oats, semisweet dark chocolate chips, canola oil, honey and seven-grain flour, these cookies are both flavorful and nutritious. Each serving provides 12 grams of whole grains and 4 grams of satiating fiber, with only 65 milligrams of sodium. They're also void of harmful ingredients like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors, dyes and preservatives, soy lecithin and hydrogenated oils, which have been linked to cancer.

Snackwell's Devil's Food Cookie Cakes

Snackwell

Nutrition (2 cookies, 32 g): 100 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 50 mg sodium, 24 g carbs (0 g fiber, 14 g sugars) 2 g protein

Snackwell's is pretty tricky. They only list the nutrition information for one cookie, but we've doubled it here to show you a comparable serving size to its cookie peers. While these cookies are free of sketchy ingredients, unfortunately, they lack fiber and their first ingredient is sugar. And if you didn't already know, you should arm yourself with information by checking out what happens to your body when you eat sugar!

Udi's Gluten-free Soft Baked Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Udi's Gluten-free Soft Baked Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutrition (1 cookie, 26 g): 100 calories, 6 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 16 g carbs (0 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 1 g protein

Despite their healthy rep, gluten-free products are often bad for you. "Ingredients such as cornstarch and brown rice flour, which are used by manufacturers to mimic the texture and taste of gluten, are more calorically dense than the ingredients they replace," says Tanya Zuckerbrot, R.D. Eeesh. These Udi's cookies contain brown rice flour and potato starch, so limit yourself to one.

Nabisco Ginger Snaps

Nabisco Ginger Snaps

Nutrition (4 cookies, 28 g): 120 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 190 mg sodium, 23 g carbs (0 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 1 g protein

You can eat four Ginger Snaps for just 120 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. Plus, they're made with real molasses and ginger, which has been found to be a muscle relaxant that banishes bloat. If it weren't for their sugar and salt content, these guiltless cookies would have ranked even higher.

Animal Crackers Snak-Saks

Animal Crackers Snak-Saks

Nutrition (17 crackers, 31 g): 140 calories, 4 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 24 g carbs (1 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 2 g protein

Because of Animal Crackers' nutritional profile and child-pleasing appeal, many parents reach for them as a healthful cookie alternative. And they're not too bad! Just take "Good Source of Calcium" with a grain of salt. Pair them with milk!

Newman-O's Hint-o-Mint & Chocolate Creme

Newman-O's Hint-o-Mint
Nutrition (2 cookies, 25 g): 130 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 110 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 1 g protein

Newman-O's Chocolate Creme
Nutrition (2 cookies, 27 g): 130 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 110 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 1 g protein

A healthier spin on the Oreo, Newman-O's save you 10 calories and a few grams of fat and sugar. The nutritional profiles really aren't that different, but they score higher than any Oreo on this list because they're void of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, and contain organic ingredients. We were surprised to find that they both still contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier which binds water and oil in fats to preserve flavor. It's found in many sugary foods, and apparently some organic ones as well.

Walkers Shortbread Fingers

Walkers Shortbread Fingers

Nutrition (30 g): 100 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 11 g carbs (3 g sugar), 1 g protein

With just four ingredients and less than 5 grams of sugar, Walker's Shortbread Fingers are one of the better options. But they also contain almost 10 grams of fat (5 saturated fat), so don't keep your hand in the cookie jar.

Newtons Fig Cookies

Newtons Fig Cookies

Nutrition (1 cookie, 28 g): 100 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 21 g carbs ((1 g fiber, 12 g sugar) , 1 g protein

Fig Newtons are filled with real fruit, whole grains and zero trans fats. We did, however, find hydrogenated oil in their ingredients list, along with 12 grams of sugar per cookie. For less-sugary options, check out our best low-sugar snacks!

Fiber One Soft Baked Oatmeal Raisin

Fiber One Soft Baked Oatmeal Raisin

Nutrition (1 cookie, 31 g): 120 calories, 4 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 22 g carbs (5 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 1 g protein

These moist, chewy cookies have five grams of fiber each (about 20% of your RDA) and no saturated fats. But they also have soy lecithin, so cut yourself off after one.

Fiber One Soft Baked Double Chocolate

Fiber One Soft Baked Double Chocolate

Nutrition (1 cookie, 31 g): 120 calories, 4.5 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 130 mg sodium, 22 g carbs (5 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 1 g protein

Chocolate-on-chocolate for 120 calories? Not too bad. (But if you need extra fiber, you're better off with these high-fiber foods for weight loss.)

Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies

Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies

Nutrition (4 cookies, 29 g): 140 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 150 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (0 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 1 g protein

Lorna Doone's Shortbread Cookie recipe was originally given to Nabisco by an Scottish employee from Pittsburgh, PA. However, we doubt the version he passed on from his mother called for high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, soy lecithin and artificial flavor.

Mint Oreo Thins

Mint Oreo Thins

Nutrition (4 thins, 29 g): 140 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 21 g carbs (1 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 1 g protein

Not surprisingly, Oreo Thins are first Oreo to emerge on this list. They're advertised as "a lighter, crispier take on the classic Oreo cookie," and you can indulge in twice as many for almost identical calories. Unfortunately, Nabisco has yet to become of one of the brands committed to removing additives from their products—these contain HFCS, soy lecithin AND artificial flavors and coloring.

Annie's Oatmeal Raisin

Annie's Oatmeal Raisin

Nutrition (2 cookies, 26 g): 130 calories, 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 17 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 1 g protein

We like that these contain organic wheat, and no HFCS or dyes. This is just one of the better cookie brands we can get behind.

Nutter Butters

Nutter Butters

Nutrition (2 cookies, 28 g): 140 calories, 6 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 105 mg sodium, 19 g carbs (1 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 2 g protein

If you're a fan of peanut butter, chances are you've indulged in Nutter Butters a time or two. Nabisco nailed this sweet and crunchy combo. Nutritionally speaking, however, they're not so hot. Two of the peanut-shaped cookies have 1.5 grams of saturated fat and a plethora of processed ingredients, including hydrogenated oil and soy lecithin. Stick with regular peanut butter for a satiating snack.

Pepperidge Farm Montauk Milk Chocolate

Pepperidge Farm Montauk Milk Chocolate

Nutrition (1 cookie, 31 g): 140 calories, 6 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 85 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (0 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 1 g protein

Something about soft, chewy cookies reminds us of home, but don't wallow in nostalgia—these are made with hydrogenated oil and deliver 3 grams of saturated fat per cookie.

Annie's Lemon Drop Cookie Bites

Annie's Lemon Drop Cookie Bites

Nutrition (7 cookies, 31 g): 140 calories, 7 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 18 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 2 g protein

Each one of these mini cookies has just a gram of sugar and 20 calories, which is a nutritional profile that's tough to beat. We like that they're free of high fructose corn syrup and synthetic dyes. Just don't devour them by the handful — that's one of the bad habits that lead to a fat belly.

Grandma's Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookie

Grandma's Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookie

Nutrition (1 cookie): 190 calories, 10 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 22 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 4 g protein

Grandma's recipe calls for a lot of fat — 13% of your daily allowance in just one cookie.

Chips Ahoy Chewy

Chips Ahoy Chewy

Nutrition (2 cookies, 31 g): 140 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 21 g carbs (1 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 1 g protein

These are full of high fructose corn syrup, caramel color and artificial flavor. If you want the fresh-from-the-oven taste, go for something whose ingredient list contains actual ingredients—not a laundry list of processed ones.

Chips Ahoy Chewy With Reese's

Chips Ahoy Chewy With Reese

Nutrition (2 cookies, 30 g): 140 calories, 7 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 19 g carbs (1 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 2 g protein

Chocolate chips and peanut-butter-cup chunks are an efficient way to derail your diet.

Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano

Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano

Nutrition (2 cookies, 29 g): 130 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 35 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (1 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 1 g protein

These classy-seeming cookies have more saturated fat than a Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie.

Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies

Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies

Nutrition (1 piec): 170 calories, 7 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 330 mg sodium, 53 g carbs (1 g fiber, 28 g sugar), 3 g protein

Fluffy cream sandwiched between two chewy oatmeal cookies—it sounds sinful, and it kind of is, loaded with HFCS, artificial flavor and partially hydrogenated oil.

Nabisco Nilla Wafers

Nabisco Nilla Wafers

Nutrition (8 wafers, 30 g): 140 calories, 6 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 115 mg sodium, 21 g carbs (0 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 1 g protein

These vanilla crisps may seem simple and clean, but they're made with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, artificial flavoring and soy lecithin.

Mrs. Fields Semi-sweet Chocolate Chip

Mrs. Fields Semi-sweet Chocolate Chip

Nutrition (1 cookie, 30 g): 140 calories, 7 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 130 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (1 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 1 g protein

Mrs. Fields may bring back pleasant mall memories, but there are better chocolate chip cookie options.

Keebler Vienna Fingers

Keebler Vienna Fingers

Nutrition (2 cookies, 31 g): 150 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 23 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 1 g protein

The Keebler Elves' powers of nutrition aren't so magical. Two of these vanilla cream sandwiches have 6 grams of fat and 10 grams of sugar — plus high fructose corn syrup and soy lecithin.

Oreo Red Velvet

Oreo Red Velvet

Nutrition (2 cookies, 29 g): 140 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 21 g carbs (1 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 1 g protein

With slightly less sugar and sodium, Red Velvet is a slightly better option than Birthday Cake (see below).

Oreo Golden Birthday Cake

Oreo Golden Birthday Cake

Nutrition (2 cookies, 29 g): 140 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 21 g carbs (1 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 1 g protein

If you can work the fat and sugar into your dietary budget, two of these cookies are better than the average slice of birthday cake.

Pepperidge Farm Brussels

Pepperidge Farm Brussels

Nutrition (3 cookies, 30 g): 150 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (1 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 2 g protein

These "distinctive cookies" stand out in terms of their calorie and sugar counts.

Oreo Double Stuf

Oreo Double Stuf

Nutrition (2 cookies, 29 g): 140 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 21 g carbs (1 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 1 g protein

For one less cookie, the added stuffing will only cost you one gram of sugar and 3 grams of carbs.

Famous Amos Chocolate Chip

Famous Amos Chocolate Chip

Nutrition (30 g): 155 calories, 7.2 g fat (2.1 g saturated fat), 109 mg sodium, 19.7 g carbs (1.0 g fiber, 9.3 g sugar), 2.1 g protein

The calories and fat in these bite-sized cookies can add up quickly. Always staying mindful of portions is one of the best weight-loss secrets from skinny people!

Keebler Coconut Dreams

Keebler Coconut Dreams

Nutrition (2 cookies, 28 g): 180 calories, 7 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 100 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 2 g protein

Real coconuts are used in Keebler's Coconut Dreams, but that's about the only good news: Caramel, fudge, processed ingredients and 10 grams of sugar delete that superfood's benefits.

Keebler E.L. Fudge Original Cookies

Keebler E.L. Fudge Original Cookies

Nutrition (2 cookies, 36 g): 180 calories, 7 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 100 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 2 g protein

More diet-destroying calories, fat and carbs from those devious Keebler elves. If you've got a carb craving, spring for one of these best carbs for weight loss instead!

Pepperidge Farm Milano Dark Chocolate

Pepperidge Farm Milano Dark Chocolate

Nutrition (3 cookies, 27 g): 180 calories, 9 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (1 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 2 g protein

Dark chocolate has a slew of health benefits, including fueling weight loss and fighting cancer. But with 4 grams of saturated fat, plus soy lecithin and hydrogenated oils, these cookies don't come close to healthy.

And the Worst Cookie in America Is…Oreo Mega Stuf Cookie

Oreo Mega Stuf Cookie

Nutrition (2 cookies, 36 g): 180 calories, 9 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (1 g fiber, 18 g sugar), 1 g protein

All hail the Mega Stuf — the worst popular cookie in America, packed with processed ingredients, calories, sugar and fat. If this is your go-to cookie, we suggest breaking up with it ASAP and trying the Newman-O's variety, or at least limiting yourself to one.

Eat This, Not That!
Inspired by The New York Times best-selling book series, Eat This, Not That! is a brand that's comprised of an award-winning team of journalists and board-certified experts, doctors, nutritionists, chefs, personal trainers, and dietitians who work together to bring you accurate, timely, informative, and actionable content on food, nutrition, dieting, weight loss, health, wellness, and more. Read more about Eat This