Not everything that looks healthy actually is. In fact, some so-called “health” foods are just junk food in disguise, packed with sugar, unnecessary additives, or sneaky calories.
If you’ve been loading up your cart with these, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s break down some of the worst offenders.
10. Flavored Yogurt
Yogurt is supposed to be a gut-friendly, high-protein snack, right? Well, not if it’s packed with sugar. Many flavored yogurts contain as much sugar as a candy bar, turning your “healthy” breakfast into a dessert. Go for plain Greek yogurt and add your own fruit or honey to keep things balanced.
9. Granola
Granola seems like the ultimate health food—oats, nuts, a little sweetness—but many store-bought versions are loaded with sugar and oils. Some brands have as many calories per serving as a slice of cake. If you love granola, make your own or choose one with minimal added sugar.
8. Veggie Chips
Just because it says “veggie” on the bag doesn’t mean it’s a salad. Most veggie chips are just deep-fried potato chips with some vegetable powder sprinkled in for show. If you’re looking for a healthy snack, try roasted chickpeas or actual sliced veggies with hummus instead.
7. Protein Bars
Protein bars are often marketed as a nutritious on-the-go snack, but many are just glorified candy bars with a little extra protein. They’re often packed with artificial sweeteners, palm oils, and a laundry list of unpronounceable ingredients. If you need a protein boost, try a handful of nuts or a boiled egg instead.
6. Gluten-Free Snacks
Unless you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, gluten-free doesn’t automatically mean healthier. Many gluten-free breads, cookies, and crackers replace wheat with refined starches and extra sugar, making them even more processed than the regular versions.
5. Store-Bought Smoothies
A smoothie sounds like a healthy choice, but many bottled smoothies or juice bar creations are sugar bombs in disguise. Some have more calories than a fast-food milkshake thanks to fruit juice, syrups, and added sweeteners. If you want a real healthy smoothie, make your own with whole fruits, veggies, and protein.
4. Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is often marketed as a natural sweetener that’s healthier than sugar. Spoiler alert: It’s not. It’s extremely high in fructose, which can mess with your metabolism and blood sugar levels just as much (if not more) than regular sugar. If you need a sweetener, stick with honey or maple syrup in moderation.
3. Fruit Juice
Just because it’s made from fruit doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Store-bought fruit juices often strip out the fiber and leave you with a concentrated sugar bomb. Some juices have as much sugar as soda, making them a sneaky culprit in weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
Read More: The Least Healthy “Health” Foods on the Market
2. Diet Soda
Zero calories doesn’t mean zero problems. Diet sodas are loaded with artificial sweeteners, which can actually trigger cravings and mess with your gut health. Plus, some studies suggest they may not help with weight loss at all. If you need something fizzy, try sparkling water with a splash of real fruit juice.
Read More: These 15 Everyday Foods Aren’t as Healthy as You Think
1. “Fat-Free” and “Low-Fat” Foods
Fat got a bad reputation in the ‘90s, leading to a wave of fat-free and low-fat products. The problem? When companies remove fat, they usually replace it with sugar, artificial flavors, or other additives to make up for the lost taste. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil are actually good for you, so don’t fear them.
Read More: 20 “Healthy” Foods That Might Be Ruining Your Diet
