Sometimes you get a hunger that only awarm cookie can satisfy.

But there are ways to find options that bring all the pleasure with less of the guilt.

That’s why becoming familiar with how to read nutrition facts and ingredient lists is important for health-conscious consumers.

Pile of Chocolate Chip cookies

Shutterstock

Many times, these cookies are loaded with artificial sweeteners that can cause unwanted GI issues."

But how do you judge an ingredient list on the back of a cookie box?

“Pay attention to the added sugar content.

madegood chocolate chip cookies

Courtesy of MadeGood

Most brands pack their cookies with highly processed and refined sugar.

High fructose corn syrup is another sweetener that should be avoided at all costs,” Young warns.

“Some better sweetener alternatives are maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar.

Simple mills almond flour baked chocolate chip cookies

Courtesy of Simple Mills

However, quantity matters most!”

“Partially hydrogenated oils should be avoided as they contain trans fat.”

“Lastly, I will look for the throw in of flour being used.

sweet lorens chocolate chunk cookie dough

Sweet Loren’s

While it’sgood to be mindfulof what you’re eating, beingoverly restrictivenever pays off.

To take the guesswork out of your search, we rounded up these expert-approved picks.

5 Best Cookie Chains in America

MadeGood

MadeGood is a B Corp-certified snack brand.

Hu cookies

Courtesy of Hu Kitchen Cookies

Choose from Chocolate, Double Chocolate, Vanilla, and Snickerdoodle varieties.

Big box retailers like Target and Walmart carry some mini varieties of the treat.

They can also be found at grocery stores like Mariano’s, Kroger, and Whole Foods.

Skout organic cookies

Courtesy of Skout Organic

And according to Greene, the cookies are no exception.

Not to mention, its special flour blends offer some great nutritional benefits, adds Young.

Just keep in mind that it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies.

Partake foods vegan cookies

Courtesy of Partake Foods

Buy them atstores nationwide, including grocers like Whole Foods and retailers like Target.

says Greene about the clean, gluten-free, healthier cookie brand.

Sweet Loren’s offers eggless edible raw cookie dough in 12-ounce tubs made with sustainably sourced ingredients.

maxine’s heavenly cookies

Courtesy of Maxine’s Heavenly

“Sweet Loren’s does not use artificial sweeteners.

They just figured out how to make a cookie taste great with less sugar.”

This sweet selection can be found in many grocery chains, like Safeway, Whole Foods, and Target.

cappellos chocolate chip cookie dough

Courtesy of Cappello’s

“Hu cookies are a great healthier cookie alternative, as the ingredients are high quality.

These cookies have zero added sugar and no artificial ingredients,” says Young.

“They’re sweetened with dates, which is an excellent source of sugar.

siete cookies

Moreover, most of the ingredients in these cookies are organic.”

These are available inselect grocersand can also be purchased online.

This brand has a plant-based, simple ingredient mission to make better-for-you snacks.

chelsea approved cookie mix

Courtesy of Chelsea Approved

“These cookies also check the box for those who are gluten-free, vegan, and Kosher.”

Partake Foods

Some like their cookies crunchy, and some like them chewy.

Whichever you prefer, it’s possible for you to pick up your favorite from Partake Foods.

“These cookies are relatively low in sugar and come in a variety of flavors.”

These high-qualityconfections are availableat The Fresh Market, Safeway, Publix, Kroger, and Sprouts.

“These cookies are made with oat flour which is a great source of dietary fiber.

Find these at yourlocal natural grocery store.

Cappello’s is a Colorado-based company that champions real food.

“These are made mostly with almond flour and also arrowroot flour.

Maple syrup is included for sweetness.”

Cappello’s is sold at most Whole Foods locations andother national stores.

Siete

You may have heard of this Mexican-American brand’s revolutionary grain-free taco shells and tortilla chips.

Now, say hello to Siete cookies.

Find them ata supermarket near you.

Chelsea Approved

There’s a sweet twist behind the story of Chelsea Approved desserts.

They have only a handful of ingredients, including buckwheat and oat flour, and cane sugar.

“This is an excellent cookie option for those with specific dietary preferences,” says Greene.

The cookie mixes are available atselect grocery storesin Vermont and New York, with further expansion to come.