There’s nothing quite like a classic late-night diner. Where else can you indulge on breakfast and comfort food, 24/7?
We love to feast on this slice of American nostalgia, but the hard reality is these classic diner dishes are not the healthiest. Diner food can be high in carbs and sugar, feeding cavity-causing bacteria.
We can have our apple pie a la mode and eat it too! Here’s the dish on our favorite diner foods:
Diner Delicacy: Pork Roll
Also known as “Taylor Ham,” this delectable meal is a New Jersey staple.
Diner Destination: Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst and White Rose Diner in Linden
Diner Dental Tip: On the oral health scale, pork rolls aren’t your worst indulgence. Cheese is full of enamel-building calcium and casein, a protein that fights plaque-causing bacteria. And eggs have vitamin D and phosphorus, which are needed to absorb calcium.
Diner Delicacy: Soda Fountain Pop
Soda fountains are to diners as traffic jams are to Rt. 80…the 2 just go together! And we’re talking about real pop here: soda, syrup and just a bit of fizz.
Diner Destination: The Pop Shop in Collingswood and Medford
Diner Dental Tip: Soda: Dental health’s archenemy. Not only is it high in sugar, its high acidity content can wear down enamel.
Try sipping on you favorite fountain drink through a straw and aim it toward the back of your mouth. This will lessen direct contact with your teeth.
Diner Delicacy: Strawberry Cheesecake
Nothing could be finer at a diner than this classic dessert! This dessert has pleased American mouths since the 19th century, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Diner Destination: Tops Diner in East Newark and VIP Diner in Jersey City
Diner Dental Tip: Watch out for the sugar in this addictive dessert — 1 slice can pack around 60 grams. Eat this treat in moderation to ensure a cavity-free, cheesecake-loving smile!
Eat up and smile on, Garden State! Share your favorite diner foods and dives!