50 Supposedly Healthy Foods Nutritionists Say You Should Never Eat

The path to good health is fraught with deceptive twists and turns. It’s not just about the creamy dressings we unknowingly slather over our salads, adding extra fat, sugar, and sodium. Nor is it only about the calorie-laden salads masquerading as healthy options in restaurants. The truth is deeper and more insidious.

In this ranking, we pull back the curtain to reveal the truth behind 50 such foods. We’re here to expose these nutritional imposters and guide you in making smarter, more informed choices. Prepare to have some of your go-to ‘healthy’ foods unmasked as we delve into the reality behind the labels.

53. Trail Mix

Trail mix, often considered a convenient, healthy snack, can be deceptive with its chocolate chips and sugary dried fruit mix. Consuming it in large quantities can lead to a high intake of calories and sugar.

A healthier alternative might be a handful of raw nuts, which can provide satiety without the added sugars and extra calories commonly found in commercial trail mixes.

52. Bran Muffins

Bran muffins, often chosen for their perceived health benefits, can be deceiving with their high sugar content. A striking example is Martha White’s Honey Bran Muffin Mix, which contains 260 calories and 27 grams of sugar per half-cup of the dry mix.

This amount of sugar is equivalent to nearly seven teaspoons, turning what might be considered a healthy breakfast option into a sugar-laden treat. This hidden sugar content in bran muffins challenges their status as a wholesome choice and underscores the importance of scrutinizing the nutritional content of seemingly healthy baked goods.

51. Deli Turkey

While processed meats like salami and bologna are widely considered unhealthy, deli turkey is often mistakenly perceived as a healthier alternative. However, deli turkey is frequently high in sodium, artificial flavors, and nitrates, which have been linked to various cancers of the digestive tract.

This revelation suggests that even deli turkey, often chosen for its perceived health benefits, may not be the healthful choice it’s believed to be.

50. Banana Bread

Despite having fruit in its name, banana bread is far from healthy food. The primary ingredients often include sugar, butter, and white flour, making it more like a dessert than a nutritious snack or breakfast.

These components contribute to its high calorie and sugar content, which can be problematic for those watching their sugar intake or seeking healthier baked goods.