One of the hottest trends in food packaging is the 100-calorie snack packs.

And people seem to like them. Many see these convenient little bags as a great way to control calories and keep them from polishing off whole bags of less-than-healthy snacks.

But is this new food category - which according to WebMD, has gone from $0 to $150 million in sales in less than two years - really the best bet for those trying to eat healthy snacks and control weight?

It can be a tool in weight management because of the small portion sizes. But that comes at a price n sometimes at twice the price per serving from a regular bag. In our super-size, fast-food world, it is convenient to have the portioning and math done for you.

Buyers need to be choosy. If crackers and cookies are all you're buying, you're not getting much nutrition bang for your buck. The 100-calorie pack is a great choice when it comes to foods we should enjoy in limited amounts. While these snacks are controlled in calories, many provide few nutrients.

Packaging items in smaller containers can help control mindless overeating. Studies show the larger the container, the more people eat. So reducing the size of plates, bags and containers, should help us reduce the amount we eat.

Snacks can be an opportunity to add foods that are missing in your diet. I'd rather see people choose snacks that provide needed nutrients n especially fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains n while taming hunger. If at the end of the day you have met your quotas for all the food groups, then enjoy a 100-calorie snack pack - but just one.

Though some may contain more than 100 calories, here are some portable and healthy snack ideas. You're in charge of the portion control.

* Half of a peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread

* Low-sugar, whole-grain granola bar with at least 3 grams of fiber

* Whole-wheat tortilla with hummus

* A handful of nuts or seeds

* A handful of dried fruit

* Individual unsweetened applesauce with a few dry-roasted walnuts

* Single-serving string cheese with a small piece of fruit or a few whole-grain crackers

* Low-fat yogurt or pudding

* Apple, orange, pear or banana

* High-fiber dry cereal with a few nuts or seeds and dried fruit (put this in a baggie for a make-your-own snack pack)

* Carrots, celery sticks, or apple slices with a tablespoon of nuts, nut butter, or cheese

* Pretzels and cheese

* Whole-wheat cracker sandwiches made with natural nut butters

* One ounce of lean meat and a few whole-grain crackers

* Three ounces low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese and a few whole-grain crackers

* One whole graham cracker and 1 teaspoon nut butter

* Raw vegetables with 1/4 cup low-fat ranch dressing

* Handful of tortilla chips and salsa

* "Skinny" latte (made with low-fat or skim milk)

* Small bowl of whole-grain cereal with skim milk or low-fat yogurt

Judy Barbe, a registered dietician, is a spokesperson for the Wyoming Dietetic Association.