Commonly Eaten Foods That Are Bad for Your Health and Your Wallet
We all lead busy lives, and it can be hard to remember to eat healthily. Sometimes, it’s easier to just grab food off the shelf, thinking only of the convenience and not of the nutritional value. Processed foods are always on-hand, which is why they make so much money for manufacturers. And they’ve saved us time and energy in the past. But, at what cost?
Many of the products on this list are staples of our daily diet, from Coke to Twinkies. However, if not eaten in strict moderation (or avoided completely) they can lead to long-term health problems, according to cardiologists and other professionals. Some of these products are clearly harmful, but because they’re lucrative moneymakers they stay on the shelves anyway. Others are less obvious, but when eaten in great quantities can have nasty side effects.
1. Diet Cola
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.19 per can*
Diet cola portrays itself as a healthy alternative to regular cola. After all, it’s sugar-free! And, it has no calories. It’s often been the go-to drink for dieters everywhere. Though Mayo Clinic says that it is okay if consumed in minimal quantities, people who drink more than a can a day could be headed for some serious harm.
According to Healthline, studies have shown that diet colas aren’t so “diet’ after all. Artificial sweeteners can lead to chronic kidney disease, tooth decay (because of the acidic pH level), and an increased risk of osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease. More studies are needed to be 100% sure, but you might want to cut back on diet cola or avoid it totally.
2. Hot Dogs
Manufacturer: Oscar Mayer, Sabrett, Hebrew National, and more
Est. Price: $2.50-$6 per 12-pack*
Hot dogs are highly processed foods that contain many ingredients other than animal meat. Among them is maltodextrin, which, if consumed in excess, can cause damage to the intestines and stomach.
Additionally, a serving of hot dogs has 33% of the recommended daily sodium intake. As if that were not enough, hot dogs usually list “poultry meat” among their ingredients, an ambiguous term that raises doubts about the true origin of the meat they contain. Considering this, it’s surprising just how many of these are sold at stores like Kroger each year.
3. Breakfast Sandwiches
Manufacturer: Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Horton’s, and more
Est. Price: $3-$5 per sandwich*
It might be tempting to quickly grab a breakfast sandwich from a fast-food restaurant like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Tim Horton’s. And, there’s no denying that these sandwiches are delicious. However, you could be doing your body a real disservice by eating one every day.
Though once in a while isn’t a problem, breakfast sandwiches are high in cholesterol. According to The Nutrition Twins, eating a fast-food breakfast sandwich three times a week can make you gain eight pounds a year, thanks to the three-hundred extra calories from the sandwich that you wouldn’t otherwise get if you stuck to eating at home. It makes you think twice about that McDonald’s McMuffin, doesn’t it?
4. American Cheese Slices
Manufacturer: Sandwich Mate, Kraft, Whitehall, and more
Est. Price: $3.99 per jar*
Imitation cheese often has misleading packaging. These products, instead of being made with ingredients like milk fat the way normal cheese is, have vegetable oils, trans fats, flavorings, and preservatives.
All of these ingredients make imitation cheeses much less healthy than real cheeses. You can identify imitation cheeses among other things, because they are considerably less expensive than real cheese.
5. Commercial Salad Dressings
Manufacturer: Newman’s Own, Hidden Valley, Wishbone, Kraft, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per bottle*
Vegetables are super healthy, but the problem is that a lot of them don’t exactly taste great on their own. You can make a super-deluxe salad, but it’ll be a little boring unless you add dressing. And that’s fine, but you might want to stay away from commercial salad dressings.
Many of them are loaded with vegetable oils, sugar, and trans fats, all of which are unhealthy. They also tend to contain artificial chemicals. These unhealthy ingredients take away from the benefits of the salad. Instead, try making your own salad dressing from olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper. Next time you’re shopping at Costco, take a harder look at the label.
6. Pre-Packaged Cupcakes
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2.99 per box*
Pre-packaged cupcakes are a delicious dessert, but their nutritional content will leave you with a very bad taste in your mouth. Sadly, most of these packs contain almost three times the recommended daily value of sugar.
Another ingredient is high fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to the development of high blood pressure or metabolic syndrome. Excessive consumption of this product can also cause obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver, among other gnarly diseases. Like anything else, these should be eaten in moderation.
7. Gummy Bears
Manufacturer: Haribo
Est. Price: $4.99 per pound*
Each bag of Gummy Bears contains just 0.2 pounds of gummies. However, this small amount hides the equivalent of 12 teaspoons of sugar. This is between two and three times the recommended daily intake for a child.
In addition to the risks that come with excessive sugar intake, Gummy Bears also contain artificial ingredients such as petroleum-based dyes, which can contribute to the development of problems like attention deficit or hyperactivity. A pack of Haribo from Walmart might only cost you a couple of bucks, but is it worth it?
8. Instant Ramen
Manufacturer: Maruchan Soup
Est. Price: $0.13 per packet*
Maruchan Soup is a very popular meal for its affordable price, at just thirteen cents a packet. It’s also super-easy it is to prepare. However, due to its low fiber content, a serving of this soup is hardly going to satisfy you.
In addition, Maruchan Soup is very high in sodium: each container provides half the recommended daily value. Consuming this product frequently can cause problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, among other ailments.
9. Cheap Bread
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $0.88 per loaf*
Cheap white bread is essential for making practical lunches to take to school and the office. It won’t break the bank, costing less than $1 per loaf. But one of the reasons why this product is consumed so frequently is that it can become addictive.
This is because it contains sugar, which helps in the fermentation process of bread. In addition, a lot of brands use a high amount of fat and salt that, in excess, can harm your health. Also, most of these loaves of bread do not have much fiber, so it will hardly make you full.
10. Pancakes
Manufacturer: Hungry Jack, Whole Foods, Mrs. Butterworth, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per box*
Although they are one of the favorite breakfasts of children and adults, pancakes are not particularly healthy. For starters, they tend to have high amounts of salt and preservatives that should be avoided in a balanced diet.
In addition, they usually contain trans fats, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some of them also have partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which is not one of the healthiest fats out there. But, let’s face it, did any of us really think eating at iHop every day was good for our health?
11. Coconut Water
Manufacturer: Vita Coco, O.N.E., Zola, and more
Est. Price: $20 per 12-pack*
Sure, there are a lot of benefits to coconut water. It has electrolytes, and it is very hydrating. However, be careful of coconut water if you’re trying to count your calories. Like many sports drinks, coconut water has 45-60 calories per eight-ounce serving.
If it’s flavored, it might also be high in sugar. There is a third concern with coconut water, and that’s that it can cause your potassium levels to become too high. But, that’s only if you drink it in large amounts. Over-consumption of this beverage can also lead to stomach upset, so just watch how much you’re drinking or you might end up reaching for the Imodium.
12. Chewing Gum
Manufacturer: Trident, Dentyne, Wrigley, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per pack*
Many brands of chewing gum promote themselves by showing off their supposed benefits. Some promise fresh breath and even whiter, cleaner teeth. However, there are several oral problems that are associated with the consumption of this product.
Some gum can cause problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and jaw pain, especially if the gum has a high sugar content. Apart from that, there have also been reports of children who have suffered asphyxiation after misusing gum. Think carefully before you pick up a pack at Target’s checkout.
13. Chocolate-Covered Rice Cereal
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3.98 per box*
Chocolate-covered rice cereals are often advertised as a great option for the little ones to have breakfast. What is not advertised, of course, is that they are one of the most harmful cereals on the market.
A single serving of this cereal provides between 55 and 73% of the total sugar recommended for children in a day. In addition, many of these types also have colorants associated with the development of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders.
14. Kids’ Yogurt Cups
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.25 per cup*
Many brands promise to help children grow up healthy and strong, but the truth is very different. Yogurt cups aimed at kids are largely made up of sugar, fat, and artificial colorants, excessive consumption of which can lead to various health risks.
Among these risks are diabetes, metabolic and heart problems, and obesity. As if that were not enough, the excess fat that some of these products contain can become carcinogenic. So, although there may be plenty of calcium in them, it’s worth weighing up the risks!
15. Hot Sauce
Manufacturer: Valentina Mexican, Cholula, Frank’s Red Hot, Tabasco, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bottle*
There is no doubt that hot sauce is one of the most popular condiments out there. Due to its versatile flavor, it can be used in a myriad of dishes, from simple snacks to more elaborate meals. There isn’t a single meal that can’t be made more exciting via the addition of hot sauce.
But although the hotness of this sauce is the entire appeal, it can also damage our stomach lining and cause gastritis. The most sensible thing to do is to consume this product in moderation and take into account the negative effects it can have on our health – even if it can be bought at a bargain price on Amazon!
16. Coffee
Manufacturer: Starbucks, Folger’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $2.99 per cup*
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. People love to drink it, and many can’t imagine starting their morning without a hot (or iced) cup. But while it can give you the energy to start the day, its excessive consumption can also damage your health.
Too much coffee consumption can cause problems such as sleep disorders or headaches. This drink can also easily worsen anxiety problems, and in the long term, it can even lead to cardiovascular issues. Starbucks makes hundreds of millions a year though, because coffee is also addictive.
17. Meat
Manufacturer: Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, and more
Est. Price: $4-$10 per pound*
You have probably heard that meat is part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, excessive consumption of this meat is also a health risk. A lot of meat on the market today contains pesticides that are consumed by the animals, which remain in their bodies for us to consume.
Most red meat also contains hormones and antibiotics that are given to the animals to accelerate their growth. The factory farming process often uses hormones like testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone on its cattle, which then trickles down to humans, causing problems. Fish, aren’t any better, as they can contain heavy metals such as mercury. But still, that doesn’t stop companies like Tyson Foods making billions.
18. Flavored Popcorn
Manufacturer: The Popcorn Factory, Market Pantry, Popcorn Shed, Orville’s, and more
Est. Price: $3-$5 per bag*
Natural popcorn can be a tasty and healthy snack, as it’s low in calories. Sadly, the ones that are sold ready-made in the supermarket are almost the opposite, especially since they have artificial flavorings. For example, caramel popcorn can be incredibly high in sugar and fat.
A bag, even a small one, of caramel popcorn can contain 12.8 tablespoons of sugar and up to 564 calories. There is no doubt that preparing this snack at home and keeping it unflavored is a much better option than buying it. Disney movies are just as good, no matter the snack!
19. Honey
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $4+*
Honey is a great, natural food product that has many benefits to it. It’s high in antioxidants, can help a sore throat, and even heal cuts. While honey really is a superfood, it still has an incredibly high sugar content which means it should be consumed in moderation.
Cardiologists warn against consuming too much sugar as it can lead to heart disease and all sorts of nasty ailments that aren’t easily fixed. In fact, many experts think sugar is the biggest food demon out there, so you may want to think twice before adding that extra spoonful of nectar to your camomile tea.
20. Peanut Butter
Manufacturer: JIFF, Skippy’s, 365, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $2-$5 per jar*
Peanut butter is high in calories and protein, and it is a common snack for people who are trying to avoid a lot of carbs. The fat in peanut butter is mostly healthy, though note that peanuts do have some saturated fat. Saturated fat can lead to heart issues when it is consumed over a long period of time.
Essentially, peanut butter is healthy, but you need to consume it in moderation (like anything, really). Binge-eating peanut butter daily can easily lead to weight gain and high cholesterol. Too much of a good thing, as they say, is a bad thing.
21. Spray Cheese
Manufacturer: Easy Cheese
Est. Price: $3.93 per can*
This one can’t possibly be unexpected, as any type of cheese that you can spray out of a can probably isn’t going to be that healthy for you. Also known as “Easy Cheese” and “Cheez Whiz,” spray cheese is basically whipped cheese. Though it doesn’t need a skull and crossbones on the label, it’s not exactly good for you.
Spray cheese has more chemicals and processed ingredients than regular cheese. It’s also loaded with salt, containing twice the normal amount that regular cheese has. As The Daily Meal put it, the chemicals in spray cheese should not be eaten “by any living person.” Even if you usually buy this in bulk from Costco, it might be time to rethink.
22. Artificial Orange Juice
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3-$5 per liter*
Artificial orange juice drinks might be delicious, but you should consider giving them up. They typically have tons of sugar, coloring agents, artificial sweeteners, and more, and there is almost no nutritional value. These drinks are worse for you than orange juice (which is super sugary and should also be consumed in moderation).
There was even an instance where a child drank too much of one particular brand and turned yellow, according to a Welsh pediatrician. The child drank 1.5 liters a day, and it turned his skin a different shade. Though that’s an excessive quantity, drinking that much water certainly wouldn’t have that effect.
23. Tube Yogurts
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $6.58 per box*
Yogurts in squeezy packaging is a quick, cheap snack that has made an appearance in many kids’ lunchboxes. Yogurt in a tube is fast and easy to eat, and it’s true that kids love it. Though some of these brands do contain Vitamin D3, Vitamin A, and calcium, most have less than ten percent of the recommended daily dose of these nutrients.
Fructose and sugar levels can also be high. According to Healthline, this can cause inflammation, which is associated with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and a wide range of other ailments. Perhaps worryingly, these products always fly off the shelves at grocery stores like Walmart.
24. Sandwich Cookies
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3.19 per box*
For a long time, this style of cookie has been one of the best sellers in the market worldwide. However, in addition to their high sugar levels, this product can contain another ingredient that can be harmful to health: diacetylene.
Diacetylene is a chemical used to flavor certain brands that make sandwich cookies. Surprisingly, it can also cause long-term respiratory problems if consumed in excess. The sugar and fat content makes them addictive, so it’s impossible to eat just one. Next time you’re buying, be sure to check the back of the packet.
25. Iced Tea
Manufacturer: Snapple, Arizona, Honest, Pure Leaf, Tazo, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$4 per container*
Iced tea is a deceptive beverage because it appears to be light, healthy, and naturally derived. But don’t be fooled: this product is much closer to harmful soft drinks than a tea that you could steep at home with a teabag.
Each bottle of iced tea has a staggering fifteen tablespoons of sugar. Consuming this amount of glucose in one sitting can cause insulin spikes in your blood, which can increase your risk of diabetes.
26. Corn Syrup
Manufacturer: Archer-Daniels-Midland, Cargill, Tate & Lyle, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bottle*
You can buy corn syrup at the store, and some recipes do call for it. For example, if you’re making baked goods, frostings, jams, jellies, and other sweet treats, you might be asked to splash in this popular sweetener.
Be wary of using corn syrup. Compared to regular sugar, corn syrup is sweeter and cheaper. Those benefits are outweighed by the toxicity of it, and eating too much corn syrup (which isn’t difficult, as it’s addictively good and even small amounts are terrible for you) can cause insulin resistance, high blood pressure, obesity, Type II diabetes, and more. It’s also very cheap, coming in at less than $3 at stores like Target.
27. Regular Cola
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.19 per can*
Much has been said about how harmful cola can be to our health. Even Diet cola is bad for you. But do you know exactly why? Each can of regular cola contains around 7.4 tablespoons of sugar, which represents more than 100% of the recommended daily value.
This soda also has ingredients that can be harmful to bones, such as phosphoric acid. Finally, the dye used in its preparation contains ammonium and sulfides, which have cancer-related risks attached to them. As much as we love cola, this information leaves a sour taste.
28. Strawberries
Manufacturer: Driscolls, Naturipe, and more
Est. Price: $2.29 per pound*
While strawberries can be a great addition to a healthy diet, one must be very careful when consuming them, due to factors that occur during their cultivation. These delicious fruits can contain up to 20 different types of pesticides.
As strawberries are eaten with their skin, it is essential to clean them very well before eating them, to avoid consuming the chemicals that are used in their cultivation. Running them through water may not be enough, so a better option is to disinfect them with fruit sprays.
29. Pork Rinds
Manufacturer: Rudolph Foods, Utz, Benestar, and more
Est. Price: $4-$6 per bag*
Technically, pork rinds are keto-friendly. While it’s true that this crispy fried snack has no carbs, that doesn’t make it on par with spinach and broccoli. Pork rinds are high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, which means that you shouldn’t dive into a huge bag of them every day.
Eating too many pork rinds can cause high blood pressure and weight gain, which can increase your risk of contracting diabetes and heart disease. Pork rinds are high in protein (9 grams per serving), but they’re not a “healthy snack” the way that pork rind manufacturers often try to portray them.
30. Caramel Popcorn
Manufacturer: Cracker Jack, Fisher’s, Pop Secret, and more
Est. Price: $3-$5 per bag*
Caramel Popcorn is a very tasty snack, but it is also unhealthy. This product is high in practically everything that should be consumed in moderation: calories, sugars, fats, and sodium, so if you’re not consuming only a small serving of this sugary snack, you could run into trouble.
Worst of all, due to its high sugar content, this snack can be very addictive. Sugar affects our brain in the same way that addictive drugs like cocaine do. Anyone can easily overeat treats like caramel popcorn and still want to keep eating because their brain can’t tell that they’re full.
31. Tomatoes
Manufacturer: Conagra, Agrofusion, and more
Est. Price: $1.89 per pound*
Tomatoes can contain many pesticides, and their skin is so thin that sometimes washing and peeling them may not be enough to get rid of the chemicals. So if you have a choice, it is always better to buy organic tomatoes.
But pesticides are not the only problem. Tomatoes can be harmful to people who have digestive system problems, as they contain large amounts of organic acids. If you’re prone to heartburn, you probably can’t eat these fruits.
32. Refried Beans
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1-$3 per can*
Homemade beans can be a very healthy food, as they have a lot of fiber and protein, which are good for the body. However, its processed version, despite being practical and versatile, is not so healthy.
Processed refried beans are high in sodium and saturated fat. This can lead to problems such as hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and more. There are tentative studies that have shown that a diet high in these bad ingredients can also heighten your cancer risk.
33. Potato Chips
Manufacturer: Lays, Tostitos, Utz, and more
Est. Price: $2-$5 per bag*
The vast majority of potato chips have petroleum-based colorings, starches, preservatives, and saturated fat. In addition, a serving of just 0.11 pounds of potato chips provides 32% of the recommended daily value for sodium.
To make matters worse, French fries, which are a close cousin to everyone’s favorite snack food, also contain monosodium glutamate, a compound that enhances flavor but will leave you wanting to eat more and more. There’s a reason you can’t eat just one.
34. Sunflower Seeds
Manufacturer: Conagra, David’s, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bag*
Sunflower seeds have often been billed as a healthy snack food, but even consuming healthy snack foods can lead to a high caloric intake. Weight gain can result from eating too many calories. Additionally, sunflower seeds can be high in sodium, leading to an excessive intake of salt if you eat too many.
In 2017, according to Science Daily, there was another concerning revelation about these seeds. Researchers found that sunflower seeds were traceable as a source of “toxic mold,” and were “contaminated” with mold-produced toxins. These toxins can act as a potent liver carcinogen, and sunflower seed consumption, if the seeds have these toxic substances, poses an “increased health risk.”
35. Tortillas
Manufacturer: Mission Foods, Guerrero, Maseca, and more
Est. Price: $4-$6 per bag*
Though fine if eaten in moderation, tortillas, like most carbohydrate-based foods, aren’t good for you if you eat them in high quantities. Flour tortillas are popular all over the world, but they’re not the healthiest choice out there. They often have a high caloric content.
The flour used in the tortillas is usually mass-produced, and, therefore, full of preservatives and additives. Though these chemicals keep the tortillas fresh for longer, they wreak havoc on our bodies. Thirdly, flour tortillas often have a lot of sodium. Bottom line, stick to corn tortillas (or homemade) if you’re looking for a healthier tortilla option. Ingredients won’t cost you that much if you shop at somewhere like Target.
36. Fruit Flavored Cereal
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3.64 per box*
Fruit-flavored cereals are particularly attractive to children because of their bright colors and sugary taste. Sadly, they are not very healthy. Despite the box claiming that the cereal has a natural fruit flavor, fruit is not even among the ingredients.
In addition, the high amount of sugar in this cereal can lead children (and adults) to develop obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. This type of cereal is definitely not the best option for breakfast; try something high in protein and fiber instead.
37. Canned Tuna
Manufacturer: Ocean Naturals, Safe Catch, Wild Planet, and more
Est. Price: $1.50 per can*
You may have heard that tuna is one of the favorite foods of nutritionists in weight loss diets. This is because it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and, as we all know, a high-protein, low-carb diet is usually a powerhouse for weight loss.
But, before making it part of your daily diet, you should consider that canned tuna may contain mercury. This, even in small amounts, is highly toxic and can lead to problems for your nervous, immune, and digestive systems.
38. Chocolate Milk
Manufacturer: Nestle, TruMoo, Fairlife, and more
Est. Price: $3.69 per gallon*
It’s true that chocolate milk, a favorite of kids and adults everywhere, is delicious and has calcium, Vitamin D, and protein in it. Drinking a small amount every so often won’t hurt you, but, if you consume a high amount of this high-sugar beverage, you can increase your risk of weight gain and certain chronic diseases.
Chocolate milk contains almost as much sugar as a cup of soda. One cup has twenty-five grams of sugar and quite a few calories. Considering that one-third of U.S. children are overweight or obese, it’s something you should skip when it comes to your kids’ (and your) drink choice.
39. Artificially Flavored Creamer
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2-$4 per container*
A cup of coffee in the morning can be just what a lot of us need to get going. And, since the majority of people prefer not to drink their coffee bitter, creamer is often added. There are a ton of artificially-flavored coffee creamers out there, from regular vanilla to even “White Chocolate Raspberry” (International Delight).
Though a dash doesn’t hurt, if you’re one of those people who likes to dilute your coffee to milky tan, think twice. These creamers have a high sugar content, and the artificial flavorings used could be linked to abdominal pain, food hypersensitivity, and more, depending on the flavoring the company chose.
40. Granola Bars
Manufacturer: KIND, Quaker, NutriGrain, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per box*
Granola bars overexploit their reputation for being healthy. They’re considered a healthy snack, and almost all granola bar advertisements have some sort of nature-related or exercise-themed scene to promote the product. The truth is that many of these granola bars may have ingredients that, far from keeping you in shape, could cause problems for your health.
This product can be very high in refined sugars, and on top of that, it rarely includes significant amounts of fruit. Granola bars are one of those foods that, the fewer ingredients they contain, the more likely they are to be healthy.
41. Sparkling Mineral Water
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2.19 per liter*
PFAS chemicals, also known as “per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals,” are man-made and used in just about everything from stain-resistant fabrics to food packaging. PFAS chemicals have been around since the 1940s, and, though not regulated federally, they have been liked to health issues like thyroid disruption, cancer, and low birth weight, according to the EPA.
Some sparkling mineral water brands were tested and found to have measurable amounts of these PFAS chemicals. The reason behind the presence of these chemicals could be due to high PFAS levels in the source water or the carbonation process.
42. Creme Eggs
Manufacturer: Cadbury
Est. Price: $3.98 per 5-pack*
Every spring, there are two groups of people: those who like Cadbury Crème Eggs, and those who don’t. In America, these crème-filled chocolate eggs are made by Hershey, and, though they’re a sweet treat for the spring holidays, avoid eating more than just one or two.
We all know that these decadent treats are delicious, but in Cadbury’s website, it says that every egg has 26.5 grams of sugar. Considering that you shouldn’t consume more than 30 grams of sugar a day, you’re using up your entire daily value on this one egg. It could be worth it, but moderation is key, here!
43. Frozen Vegetables
Manufacturer: Birds Eye, Green Giant, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bag*
We’d never not want to encourage someone to eat vegetables, so, if frozen vegetables are your thing, don’t throw them out. Just note that you might have to eat more if you want to get all the nutrients that non-frozen veggies have. Freezing does help retain some of the nutritional content of frozen vegetables and fruit.
But, if the produce has been frozen for over a year, the nutrients begin to break down. Vitamins and minerals are lost during the blanching process as well. In fact, the greatest nutritional loss occurs during that time. So, if you have frozen vegetables, don’t be afraid to eat a lot and eat them right away.
44. Margarine
Manufacturer: Land O’Lakes, Imperial, Fleischmann’s, Country Crock, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per case*
Margarine began as a cheaper substitute for traditional butter. Interestingly, it contains only a trace amount of cow’s milk, and some brands have even completely eliminated any animal-based ingredients from their recipe.
Instead of the fat from cow’s milk, margarine is made from different vegetable oils. This leads to an alarming amount of trans fat, which can lead to a number of serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
45. Donuts
Manufacturer: Krispy Kreme, Hostess, Dunkin’ Donuts, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per donut*
Donuts are one of the most popular treats out there. These sweet treats offer an infinity of options for any taste. They’re filled with different flavors and decorated with all kinds of sprinkles and frostings.
But the problem with donuts is not only that they tend to have a lot of sugar, but also that they are fried. Because they’re fried, they contain trans fats. Sorry police officers, but donuts should definitely not be part of your daily diet.
46. Hot Corn Chips
Manufacturer: Barcel
Est. Price: $2.79*
As popular as these spicy snacks are, their nutritional value leaves a lot to be desired, and it also gives you a lot to worry about. These snacks are high in sodium, calories, saturated fat, and trans fat, all of which can have some nasty effects on your health.
This means that these spicy chips can contribute to high blood pressure and the development of cardiovascular diseases. As if that were not enough, these hot chips also contain red dye, which has been associated with the appearance of tumors. Think twice about putting these in your cart on your next trip to Walmart.
47. Fried Chicken
Manufacturer: KFC, Zaxby’s, Bojangles, Raising Cane’s, and more
Est. Price: $14.99 per 8-piece* (KFC)
Where to begin when it comes to fried chicken? The simple fact that it is fried in oil immediately makes it something to be eaten in moderation. In addition to being fried, this delicacy is also made with a lot of flour.
Fried chicken is also usually quite high in calories, which can lead to problems like being overweight and having diabetes and heart disease. So if you want to eat chicken, it may be a better option to grill it.
48. Prepackaged Hamburgers
Manufacturer: Mount Pleasant, Omaha Steaks, White Castle, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10 per bag*
Burgers that come prepackaged or pre-packaged are usually cheaper, which is why people like them. However, because they are prepackaged, they are made with meat of questionable origin, which allows companies to save on production costs.
In fact, many packages indicate that the content of hamburgers is “meat” only up to a certain percentage. The rest can be a variety of things, from soy to animal hides. This last part, of course, is not usually said on the labels.
49. Frosting
Manufacturer: Baker’s Corner, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per canister*
As Nutrition Action put it, frosting is definitely on the list of “what not to eat.” Looking at the ingredients of frosting, it’s pretty clear why this food is a no-no. Though you might think that it’s just a small amount on a cake or cupcake, even that small amount has a ton of sugar.
Let’s look at the nutrition label of a very popular canned frosting, Betty Crocker Vanilla Rich & Creamy Frosting. One serving is two tablespoons, and just in those two tablespoons, there are 140 calories, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, and a whopping 19 grams of sugar. Not to mention, you’re adding that onto the sugar content of the piece of cake itself.
50. Pre-Cut Watermelon
Manufacturer: Stores like Giant Eagle, Publix, Whole Foods, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6 per container*
It was previously thought that watermelon could cause diseases such as yellow fever or typhus. Although this is not a proven fact, it is true that there are conditions related to its consumption. Mainly, these conditions occur when watermelon is bought already cut in the supermarket.
The problem with consuming previously cut watermelon is that the fruit could be contaminated with bacteria that can end up causing salmonellosis. In 2019, according to WebMD, there was an outbreak of salmonella illness tied to pre-cut watermelon. Without a doubt, the safest option is to buy the whole fruit and cut it yourself at home.
51. Potatoes
Manufacturer: Fresh Idaho, Lamb Weston, and more
Est. Price: $1.50-$2.50 per pound*
Like other vegetables, potatoes can be contaminated with pesticides that are dangerous for human consumption. But this is not the only danger associated with these tubers. You may have noticed that when potatoes are old they start to turn green.
This means that they have generated a large number of glycoalkaloids, which can cause moderate to severe food poisoning. If a potato has turned green, it is best not to eat it. Another rule of thumb is that if the potatoes taste bitter, do not eat them.
52. Alkaline Water
Manufacturer: Essentia, Flow, Bai, Core Hydration, and more
Est. Price: $1.99 per gallon*
Natural alkaline water is formed when water passes over rocks, and it has a higher pH level than tap water. Alkaline water promises to be better for your body than plain water, and it even claims to help conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
However, if you have any chronic disease or kidney or liver disease, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting to drink alkaline water, as it can increase sodium levels in your body.
53. Agave
Manufacturer: Wholesome, Kirkland Signature, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10 per bottle*
Agave nectar is often touted as a healthy alternative to sugar or other syrups made with refined sugar. But, how true is that? The truth is that agave nectar has the same sugar content as many other sweeteners. In some cases, it might have even more.
A tablespoon of refined sugar has 40 calories, while the same amount of agave nectar has 60. In addition to that, agave is very high in fructose, which facilitates the accumulation of fat in the liver and increases bad cholesterol.
54. Sausages
Manufacturer: Jimmy Dean, Aidells, Hillshire Farm, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per 4- or 6-pack*
Sausages are very versatile and can be eaten and cooked in a wide variety of presentations. However, they are not a great option if you want to eat a healthy diet. Their main problem is their large amount of saturated fat.
As if that were not enough, all sausages have alarming amounts of sodium and nitrates, which are carcinogenic. If consumed in excess, this product can contribute to the development of obesity and even cause heart attacks and strokes.
55. Onions
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.25 per pound*
It’s true that onions have their benefits. According to Healthline, onions have sulfuric compounds and antioxidants, and early studies show that they’ve been linked to reduced cancer risk, lower blood sugar levels, and bone health improvements.
So, what’s the problem? Onions aren’t good for everyone. They’re very acidic, which means that if you have conditions like heartburn or gout, you’ll want to avoid onions or risk being in some serious pain. Other conditions that make onions unadvisable include colitis, acid reflux ulcers, intestinal inflammation, and rosacea. Healthline said that onion sensitivity or intolerance is a pretty “common occurrence.”
56. Hamburgers
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Burger King, White Castle, and other fast-food restaurants
Est. Price: $1-$5 per burger*
Burgers are probably the most popular fast food out there. And much has been said regarding their contribution to weight gain. However, the health dangers that come with eating burgers go far beyond the extra pounds.
Hamburgers at fast-food restaurants are made with large amounts of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. This can end up affecting your circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems. In addition, the ingredients used in its preparation add many calories but provide very few nutrients.
57. Tortilla Chips
Manufacturer: Tostitos, Layz, Utz, and more
Est. Price: $3.98 per bag*
Tortilla chips can be used in a myriad of ways. Perhaps the most popular is to prepare them as nachos, with beans, or with guacamole. The bad news is that, despite their versatility and delicious flavor, they are not the healthiest snacks out there.
All the chips are made from fried corn dough, which makes them instantly high in calories, cholesterol, and sodium. For that reason, it is not highly recommended that people with hypertension, obesity or heart problems consume them frequently.
58. Mole Sauce
Manufacturer: Dona Maria, La Costena, and more
Est. Price: $8-$10 per jar*
Mole sauce is a dish from Mexico, and you can find it at many Mexican parties and celebrations. This sauce, which has become popular in the U.S. as well, is commonly made from chili peppers, spices, butter, dark chocolate, almonds, and thickeners like corn dough, bread, or tortilla, depending on the recipe that is followed. Sadly, it is not a dish that you would easily find on a healthy menu.
Due to the chilies used to prepare it, the mole can irritate the stomach and cause discomfort. In addition, the fact that it is usually eaten with rice, tortillas, and meat considerably increases the number of calories it provides.
59. Milk
Manufacturer: All Dean Foods, Danone, Lactaid, Hiland, Prairie Farms, etc.
Est. Price: $3.71 per gallon*
If you think about it carefully, there are some puzzling things about drinking milk. First of all, humans are the only species that consume milk even when we have finished growing. Besides that, we are also the only ones that feed on the milk of animals of another species.
As if that were not enough, some of the hormones that can be found in this drink have been associated with the development of breast and prostate cancer. Of course, milk is undoubtedly high in protein and calcium, which benefits the bones. Just be careful to make sure the milk you drink is organic.
60. Energy Drinks
Manufacturer: Monster, Red Bull, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per can*
There are people who rely on energy drinks to get them through the day. If you are one of these energy drink aficionados, perhaps you should reconsider the habit, since these products do more harm than good to your body. Energy drinks often contain caffeine, taurine, and sugars.
All of these ingredients are stimulants, which can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. If they are consumed in excess, the situation gets even worse, since they can cause alterations in the heart rate and blood pressure. It’s not unheard of for energy drinks to worsen anxiety; you can even become addicted to these drinks, according to Addiction Helper.
61. Dried Fruit
Manufacturer: Bare, Market Pantry, Rind, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$15 per bag*
Dried fruit can be misleading. It is true that it has nutrients similar to those of fresh fruit. But, the dehydration process can kill some of these nutritional benefits. Vitamin C, for example, is very sensitive to heat and oxidation and therefore is often lost during dehydration.
On top of that, dehydration reduces the weight and size of fruits, which is why it’s easy to overeat if you’re careless. Dried fruit can be a great snack, but you should be informed about its nutritional value, and check the label for added sugars. Even “unsweetened” bags of dried fruit can still have a lot of sugar.
62. Raw Cashews
Manufacturer: Planters, Nut Harvest, Terrasoul Superfoods, etc.
Est. Price: $12.99 per pound*
Raw cashews, also known as tree nuts, are usually sold roasted in stores. And for a very important reason: when raw, they contain a very toxic resin called urushiol. Among the discomforts that this substance can cause is urushiol dermatitis, which can cause symptoms such as inflammation and suppuration.
This dermatological problem can be quite severe. On top of that, eating raw cashews in large quantities can even have lethal consequences. But don’t worry: most of the cashews you can find in any store have been roasted and can be safely consumed. If you do stumble upon raw cashews, avoid them.
63. Roasted Peanuts
Manufacturer: Planters, Market Pantry, etc.
Est. Price: $4.99 per pound*
Both roasted and raw nuts have a lot of benefits, and they’re similar, as far as calories, carbs, protein, and carbs go. Roasted peanuts are often preferable to regular peanuts, as they have more flavor to them.
Roasting nuts might add flavor, but the process can damage the healthy fat in nuts, which reduces their nutritional value. In fact, roasting the nuts can even lead to the formation of acrylamide, a harmful substance that forms during high-temperature cooking. According to Science Daily, acrylamide can cause nerve damage, impaired muscle coordination, and muscle weakness, if you’re exposed to the chemical in large doses.
64. White Wine
Manufacturer: Barefoot, Kim Crawford, Bota Box, La Crema, and more
Est. Price: $10-$15 per bottle*
White wine can be an ideal date drink or a great reward after a long day at work. But, consuming it daily is definitely not ideal. First of all, because drinking wine could become an addiction and increase your tolerance to alcohol, causing you to need more and more to feel satisfied.
That’s not all. White wine can also increase your blood pressure, and if consumed on a daily basis, it could also cause cirrhosis and even negatively affect your fertility. Plus, each cup has roughly 200 calories that might be better served in a healthier drink.
65. Salt
Manufacturer: Morton, Saxa, Tata, and more
Est. Price: $0.40 per 26 oz. container*
You’ve probably heard that, in order to have a healthy diet, you need to avoid sodium. But do you know exactly why? There are many reasons, but the first is that eating too much salt will cause you to retain fluids, which puts more pressure on your heart and blood vessels.
Salt raises blood pressure, which can lead to severe problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart and kidney failure. In addition, salt is dangerous because it generates a craving response in our body, which makes it highly addictive.
66. Chili Peppers/Jalapenos
Manufacturer: Embasa Jalapenos, La Costena, La Victoria, etc.
Est. Price: $1 per pound*
More than a few people enjoy spicing up their food with chili peppers, jalapeños, or hot sauces. Although these ingredients can improve the taste of food and make them more enjoyable, it is advisable not to consume these spices in excess, as they can cause problems for your digestive system.
Spicy foods can aggravate the symptoms of gastritis, heartburn, and hemorrhoids. In addition, there are studies that show that people who consume about three jalapeños per day are more likely to develop stomach cancer. So if you are going to eat spicy food, do it carefully and in moderation.
67. Honey
Manufacturer: Crockett, Wholesome Organic, Honest, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $5-$6 per pound*
Honey is often touted as an alternative to sugar. After all, it’s more natural than white sugar, so why wouldn’t it be better for you? It’s true that honey has been linked to quite a few health benefits, including blood antioxidant increases, improved heart health, and even wound healing.
If you’re using honey to replace other sugars, that’s fine, but don’t dump a lot in there. Honey still has a high calorie and sugar count, so you will experience adverse effects if you consume too much. Stick to, at maximum, a spoonful of honey per day. That’s the recommendation for a healthy person without weight issues.
68. Fruit Juice
Manufacturer: Tropicana, Ocean Spray, Bolthouse Farms, Sunsweet, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5 per container*
For some people, breakfast wouldn’t be the same without a tall glass of orange juice. While drinking fruit juice is often seen as a healthy alternative to soda, it’s actually not. According to UC Davis, fruit juice has concentrated sugar and calories, the consumption of which can lead to weight gain.
Fruit juice can even cause blood sugar spikes, if you drink it daily, according to Eat This Not That. Fructose, which is the natural sugar that you find in all fruit and fruit juice, isn’t harmful in small quantities, but the results can be deadly if you over-consume it. According to CBS News, drinking excessive amounts of fruit juice can increase your “risk of an early death” by 42%.
69. Pears
Manufacturer: USA Pears, California Pears, etc.
Est. Price: $0.61 per pear*
Pears are very healthy fruits. However, due to the way they are grown, they can be full of pesticides that are very harmful to the human body. One of these pesticides, known as EDC, can cause sleep disorders, affect appetite, and even negatively influence reproductive processes.
Sadly, the pear is one of the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits, according to a list compiled by the US Environmental Working Group. So, if this juicy fruit is one of your favorites, don’t forget to wash and disinfect them before eating them.
70. White Pasta
Manufacturer: Barilla, Mueller’s, Ronzoni, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per box*
Simple carbs are also known as “white carbs.” These carbs have been refined during processing, stripping away the germ and bran. You can find these carbs in white pasta, white rice, and white bread. These carbs are not good for you, and they can cause an increase in weight because of the way your body breaks the carbs down.
When you consume white pasta, your body breaks the carbs quickly down into glucose. This causes your blood sugar to spike, leaving you feeling hungrier later on and making you more likely to overeat in the long run. White pasta lacks nutrients, so, in the grocery aisle, it’s best to stick to whole wheat noodles.
71. Parmesan Cheese
Manufacturer: Kraft, Igourmet, Mama Francesca, and more
Est. Price: $11 per pound*
Parmesan cheese is an Italian food favorite that has been adopted around the world. Although Parmesan is a great additive to pasta, lasagna, and salads, it is recommended that you consume it in moderation, as it is very high in sodium.
In addition, due to its delicious taste and versatility, it is very easy to overindulge in this product and end up eating extra calories, which, if done frequently, can lead to being overweight or obese. People don’t realize that they’re eating too much because they just view it as a sprinkled topping. Stick to the recommended serving size of one-quarter cup or less.
72. Nacho Chips
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2.72 per bag*
Doritos are one of those products that have many calories and many ingredients but do not contribute anything positive to our body, apart from their taste. If you’ve eaten them, you know that it can be difficult to stop eating once you start. This is not ideal, as every snack bag of Doritos has 150 calories.
In addition to the calorie count, this snack is high in sodium and saturated fat, and it also has a wide variety of seasonings, flours, sugars, and colorings that can negatively affect the digestive and circulatory system. There is no doubt that Doritos have no place in a healthy diet.
73. Pizza
Manufacturer: Papa John’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, frozen food brands, etc.
Est. Price: $7.25-$15 per pizza*
Pizza is a food that you can find in many fast-food restaurants and even frozen in the supermarket. It’s super convenient, and it can be very practical when you don’t have time to cook. A pizza every once in a while doesn’t hurt, but don’t indulge frequently or regularly.
Pizza is a combination of potentially harmful foods for the body: cheese, which is very high in saturated fat, cold cuts, which have high amounts of sodium, and bread and sauce, which are made with a lot of sugar. Preservatives and colorings are also present in pizza in high doses.
74. French Fries
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Burger King, Raising Cane’s, other fast-food restaurants and frozen food brands
Est. Price: $1.39 per bag* (McDonald’s)
French fries are one of the most common side dishes. However, they should not be consumed too often. A recent study found that eating fries two to three times a week doubles the risk of premature death. The risk is, in part, due to a substance called acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical that is formed when food is heated above a certain temperature.
This substance is often found in french fries because of the heat required to make them. As if that were not enough, this fried food usually has high amounts of flour, salt, and oil. It is certainly a better idea to opt for another side dish, if possible.
75. Low-Carb Bars
Manufacturer: Atkins
Est. Price: $6-$9 per box*
Atkins low-carb bars are often a quick snack when you’re trying to eliminate or cut carbohydrates from your diet. These bars are part of a diet plan, and a lot of people assume that, even if they’re not a “health food,” they’re at least not actively damaging.
There are some ingredients to be concerned about when it comes to these low-carb bars. Many have canola or soybean oil, which both can negatively impact metabolic and heart health, according to Time. There is also a hefty dose of sugar alcohol and artificial sweeteners in the bars, which can cause gas and digestive problems.
76. White Chocolate
Manufacturer: Ghirardelli, Lindt, Hershey, Nestle, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per bar*
You may have heard that white chocolate is not “really” chocolate. People say this because white chocolate is not made with cocoa solids but is instead made from the butter obtained from cocoa seeds. Milk and sugar are added to this butter for flavor.
As you may have noticed, white chocolate is basically that: fat with sugar. This sweet does not have any of the nutrients of cocoa, but it does have the calories. Therefore, its consumption is not recommended for people who want to lose weight or those who have diabetes or high cholesterol.
77. Century Eggs
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $10 per box*
In some cultures, century eggs are considered delicacies. They certainly don’t look all that appealing considering they’re preserved eggs that have been hanging around for years, but are they actually bad for you?
Not exactly. Century eggs do have some health benefits, but compared to normal eggs the proteins aren’t always as easy to absorb. So, while they won’t do you any harm, they aren’t as healthy for you as freshly laid eggs straight from the farm. That being said, many think they’re delicious.
78. Instant Mac & Cheese
Manufacturer: Kraft
Est. Price: $0.98 per box of Kraft*
It’s true that instant mac ‘n cheese is often a lifesaver for broke college students and picky toddlers, but be careful how much you eat. You don’t have to be at an obsessive level to incur harm from boxed mac ‘n cheese, as the microwavable delicacy has harmful chemicals in it.
According to The New York Daily News, phthalates, a toxic industrial chemical, are found in ten different varieties of mac ‘n cheese. Kraft products appear to be the biggest offenders, as eight out of nine of their familiar blue and orange boxes contain these harmful chemicals, thanks to their plastic packaging, which leaches into the pasta itself.
79. Protein Drinks And Bars
Manufacturer: Cliff, KIND, and more
Est. Price: $10-$20*
There are hidden dangers when it comes to protein bars and powders. Though these quick snacks might seem like the best option, especially when you can’t stop and eat a full meal, make sure that you read the label on the back of the jar or box. It will only take a few seconds, and it could mean the difference between gaining and losing weight.
Many protein powders, according to Harvard Health, have a lot of added sugar, as many as twenty-three grams per scoop. This means that a glass of milk becomes an unhealthy drink with over 1,200 calories. Bars aren’t much better, as they can have just as much sugar as protein powders. Bottom line: read the label.
80. Gluten-Free Pasta
Manufacturer: Barilla, Ronzoni, Tinkyada, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5 per box*
When people see the phrase “gluten-free,” they might automatically assume that that means the food is healthy and can be eaten in bunches. While some foods, like vegetables, are both free of gluten and able to be eaten in large quantities without weight gain, gluten-free pasta is not one of them.
Today’s Dietitian says that a lot of gluten-free foods are still high in fat, sodium, sugar, and sugar, even though they are free of pesky gluten. If you are gluten-free but over-eating low-nutrient pastas and sugary foods, you’re more likely to gain weight, nixing the entire goal of your gluten-free diet (assuming you don’t have an allergy).
81. Salami
Manufacturer: Oscar Meyer, Margherita, etc.
Est. Price: $4.48 for an 8oz. package of Oscar Meyer salami*
While meat is rich in a few minerals and vitamins, as with anything, you don’t want to overdo it. Limit your meat intake to 300-600 grams per week (so, just over a pound). Salami is a good example of why you should eat meat in moderation, as it is chock-full of sodium.
It’s true that sodium is important for regulating your fluid balance, but, if you consume too high an amount, you can increase your blood pressure. Those with a family history of hypertension should steer clear of salami and other pre-packaged meats, as the sodium content will cause nothing but trouble.
82. Flavored Soy & Almond Milk
Manufacturer: Silk, Great Value, Almond Breeze, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6 per half-gallon*
Many people choose soy and almond milk over regular dairy. That’s a fine preference, and it’s especially helpful if you’re sensitive to dairy products. However, be careful choosing vanilla, chocolate, or other-flavored soy or almond milk. Though this milk tastes delicious, it can be packed with sugar.
For example, in one serving of Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk, there are thirteen grams of sugar. That means that, with just one glass of milk, you can drink a good majority of your recommended daily value of sugar. Though almond milk has fewer calories, choose the unsweetened, flavorless kind to make sure you’re consuming a beverage with a low glycemic index.
83. Pre-Made Dough
Manufacturer: Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Trader Joe’s, and more
Est. Price: $3-$11*
Premade pastry dough is convenient, and, though it may seem harmless, it can wreak havoc on your heart health. In addition to being often high in sugar and salt, this premade dough also contains trans fats. Trans fats can be found in animal products in small amounts, though, in a natural state, they’re not very harmful.
Trans fats in premade dough are not naturally-occurring, and that means that they can raise your “bad” cholesterol while lowering your “good” cholesterol. Eat This reported on a study that showed that people who ate a lot of trans fats, such as the kind found in premade dough, were over 25% more likely to succumb to heart disease.
84. Sports Drinks
Manufacturer: PepsiCo
Est. Price: $1.19 for a 24oz. bottle*
Gatorade is a popular sports drink among athletes and non-athletes alike. One of the reasons that Gatorade, which is owned by PepsiCo, tastes so good is because of its sugar content. If you’re buying Gatorade, it’s best to stick to the low-sugar or sugar-free variety. And, even with that, you should drink it in moderation.
Regular Gatorade can have as much as 36 grams per 20 ounces. This high sugar content can negate your workout, causing you to gain weight, even though you’re exercising. Not to mention, the sugariness of this sports drink can cause tooth decay, particularly in children.
85. Artificial Sweetener
Manufacturer: Splenda, Sweet ‘n Low, Stevia, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per box*
The Food and Drug Administration has approved five different artificial sweeteners for human consumption. These five include sucralose, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and acesulfame. These sweeteners are sugar-free, but that doesn’t make them healthy for you.
The AHA and ADA have stated that artificial sweeteners can help people lower their calories, but, according to Harvard Health, you might consume unhealthier, less nutritionally-valuable food as a result. You might have had a diet soda, but that doesn’t mean you should have a piece of cake to reward yourself. Also, critics of artificial sweeteners have linked these fake sugars to a whole host of problems, from weight gain to cancer. But, it’s worth noting that these studies are hotly-debated.
86. Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
Manufacturer: Jif, Market Pantry, Skippy, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$7*
Reduced-fat peanut butter is a food that, on its surface, sounds like it would be healthy. After all, if you’re trying a low-fat diet, you want to stay away from fats, right? As it turns out, peanut butter is a source of “good” fats, A.K.A. monounsaturated fats. You don’t want to cancel those out of your diet.
Monounsaturated fats, which are found in nuts, avocados, olives, and other healthy foods, can help reduce your “bad” cholesterol level. A lower LDL level means a reduced heart disease and stroke risk. Though you shouldn’t dig in and eat half a jar of peanut butter in one sitting, a tablespoon or two a day can’t hurt.
87. Frozen Yogurt
Manufacturer: Kemps, Froyo, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10*
People trying to clean up their diet tend to flock to frozen yogurt as a dessert option because it is lower in calories and fat than regular ice cream. Frozen yogurt bars are popular everywhere, as more and more people ditch ice cream.
You should still be careful about over-indulging, as frozen yogurt doesn’t skimp on sugar. One half-cup of vanilla frozen yogurt contains seventeen grams of sugar, according to the USDA. A regular bowl of frozen yogurt can easily contain four times that amount. Ironically, a half-cup of vanilla ice cream contains, on average, fourteen grams of sugar.
88. Packaged Gelatin
Manufacturer: Brachs, Sour Patch Kids, Jell-O, and more
Est. Price: $2.42 for a box of Jell-O*
Gelatin is good for quite a few things, as it is rich in protein. It has an amino acid profile that gives it a lot of health benefits, from reducing joint and bone pain to increasing brain function. However, you should not exceed more than ten grams a day of gelatin, according to WebMD.
More than that might cause some serious digestive issues, including bloating, gas, heartburn, and a heaviness in the stomach. It might even cause allergic reactions. Prepackaged gelatin is far less healthy than natural gelatin, as foods like candy corn, Jell-O pudding, and Sour Patch Kids have a lot of sugar. If you want to consume gelatin healthily, consider purchasing a supplement.
89. Microwavable Rice
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1-$3 per box*
There are a lot of benefits of rice, particularly brown rice. Rice is a carb that has a lot of nutrients, from magnesium to selenium to B vitamins. Unfortunately, brown rice has 50% more arsenic in it than white rice. Meanwhile, white rice has fewer vitamins and less fiber than brown rice.
According to Science of the Total Environment, a journal in which a study on arsenic in rice was published, prolonged consumption of rice can cause chronic arsenic exposure. This poisoning can lead to premature deaths. It’s a long shot to say that you can die from eating microwavable rice, but don’t gorge yourself on it day in and day out.
90. Veggie Burgers
Manufacturer: Boca, MorningStar Farms, and more
Est. Price: $3.63 average price per patty*
When you hear the words “veggie burger,” your mind probably jumps to the health food aisle of your local store’s freezer section. Veggie burgers are the go-to for anyone trying to get away from meat, and they do have less cholesterol and more fiber than regular beef patties.
But, veggie burgers are flawed too, as they have far more sodium than meat patties. The average veggie burger contains 398 milligrams of sodium, while the average beef patty has 74 milligrams. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, so, if you’re eating a veggie burger that day, try to make your other meals low in sodium.
91. Low-Fat Ice Cream
Manufacturer: Breyers, Wink, Yasso, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10*
Low-fat ice cream might seem like a healthier option than regular ice cream, but, much like frozen yogurt, you shouldn’t hang your hat on the “low-fat” label. Low-fat ice cream can still be high in sugar and carbohydrates, causing spikes in your blood sugar that leave you craving more.
Even low-calorie and sugar-free ice cream has its downsides, as these ice creams can be highly processed, even more so than regular ice cream. Also, low-fat ice cream may lead people to overeat, as they assume they can eat more of it because it’s “healthier” than the full-fat dessert.
92. Breakfast Cereal
Manufacturer: Post, General Mills, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6*
Picture your grocery store’s cereal aisle. There are tons of brightly-colored boxes, all with their own mascot to try to get kids to nag their parents into buying them. Resist the temptation to go with looks alone, as these seemingly-harmless cereals can pack quite a negative health punch.
In three-quarters of a cup of Lucky Charms, there are ten grams of sugar. That means that, depending on how much cereal you or your kid eats per day, you could be consuming 30 to 40 grams of sugar at breakfast alone. Read the labels of cereal boxes to make sure your proposed breakfast isn’t high in sugar and salt. You’ll be far better off if you start your day with a high-fiber, low-sugar bowl.
93. Sweet Tea
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Pure Leaf, Snapple, and more
Est. Price: $1.39 for a large sweet tea at McDonald’s*
Your waistline will not thank you if you have a sweet tea habit. The beverage is popular, especially in the South, but sweet tea, true to its name, has a ton of sugar in it. In one bottle of Pure Leaf Sweet Tea, there are fifty-nine grams of sugar.
Even a glass a day of sweet tea can put you at a heightened risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Heightened sugar intake means a higher triglyceride level, which can lead to an increased stroke risk. Though sweet tea has fewer calories than full-sugar soda, it is by no means healthy for you.
94. Canned Fruit
Manufacturer: Dole, Del Monte, Chiquita, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per can*
When choosing between canned fruit and regular fruit, convenience might cause you to choose the former. After all, you only have a set time to eat a peach before it goes bad, but canned peaches can last months in your pantry.
Though canned fruit have their upsides, they are often packed with a lot of added sugar, as the fruit is canned with a heavy coating of syrup. For example, one half-cup of canned pears, when packed in syrup, has nineteen grams of sugar. A half-cup of pears that has been canned in its own juices has twelve grams.
95. Veggie Chips
Manufacturer: Sensible Portions, Terra, EatSmart, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per pack*
According to Cooking Light, the purveyors of all foods good-for-you and diet-friendly, veggie chips really aren’t healthier than potato chips. Sure, the word “veggie” might sound better than “potato,” but that doesn’t make them the smarter choice. It might not really even be worth choosing one over the other.
Veggie chips are still processed and full of salt. They’re still fried in oil, which makes them prone to all the unhealthy effects that regular Lays have. If you want a healthier, more filling option, try a handful of unsalted nuts, vegetables dipped in hummus, or celery and peanut butter.
96. Pre-Made Pie Crusts
Manufacturer: Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, Betty Crocker, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$11*
While premade pie crust isn’t the worst thing you could eat, it’s not healthy for you. There are no sugars or trans fats, but there tends to be a lot of sodium. One entire Pillsbury premade pie crust, for example, contains 1,040 grams of sodium—that’s 130 grams per one-eighth of the pie.
Even just one-eighth of the pie is six percent of your daily value. Also, what tends to go into the pie crust is also not exactly a healthy food. Pretty much every pie you can think of is packed with heaps of sugar. If you want to avoid processed foods and sodium, make your pie crust at home from scratch. That way, you can control what’s in it.
97. Turkey Bacon
Manufacturer: Oscar Meyer, butchers
Est. Price: %6-$8 per package*
Turkey bacon, when compared to pork bacon, has less fat and fewer calories. It’s often considered a “healthier” option for people who cannot eat pork or who are on special diets. However, it would be a misnomer to call turkey bacon a “health food.”
Turkey bacon is still processed meat, which means it has all the toxic chemicals that come with that process. Also, turkey bacon has more added sugar and less protein than pork bacon. It still contains four grams of saturated fat, a problematic substance that can increase your risk for cardiovascular issues like heart disease.
98. Impossible Burger
Manufacturer: Impossible Foods, Inc.
Est. Price: $5.49 per package of patties*
Impossible Burgers have gotten a lot of attention, as they taste nearly identical to beef patties, except they are completely plant-based. Though veggie burgers are not a new concept, the Impossible Burger tastes so close to meat that it has even swayed carnivores over to its side.
Though the Impossible Burger is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, it is high in saturated fat. It has eight grams, making it comparable to a regular burger. Also, the Impossible Burger is heavily-processed, with far more sodium (370 milligrams) than a regular beef or turkey patty. Though the Impossible Burger has its upsides, it’s not a perfect solution to avoiding red meat.
99. Rice Cakes
Manufacturer: Quaker and more
Est. Price: $3 per pack of Quaker rice cakes*
Medicine Net says that rice cakes are not to be considered a “healthy replacement” for other foods, as these cakes aren’t “nutrient dense.” They often have a lot of added salt, which means that people who are at risk for cardiovascular problems or who have been told to stay away from sodium should avoid these cakes.
Additionally, rice cakes are not the easiest things in the world to digest. Though bodybuilders eat them for a quick source of energy, the preparatory process that goes into making the cakes can cause them to be chemically and physically difficult to digest.
100. Acai Bowls
Manufacturer: Restaurants, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.
Est. Price: $7-$15*
Acai berries have been the “it food” the past few years. These berries have some impressive health benefits, as they are a source of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. These contribute to your heart, brain, and overall health. Acai bowls are a common sight on restaurants’ breakfast menus, as these bowls have yogurt and a helping of the superfood fruit.
Be careful about acai bowls, especially ones that have been commercially prepared, as they are often high in sugar and calories. Though packed with antioxidants, these bowls can have anywhere from twenty-one to sixty-two grams of sugar per serving.
101. Maple Syrup
Manufacturer: Aunt Jemima, Great Value, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $7-$9 per bottle*
Maple syrup is a delicious way to top pancakes, waffles, or French toast. As yummy as it is, keep your maple syrup consumption to a minimum, as this topping contains fourteen grams of sugar per tablespoon. That’s an extremely high sugar content for such a low amount.
Maple syrup has all the sugar with no fiber content to mitigate it. This means that people with diabetes or insulin resistance should avoid maple syrup, as it can cause blood sugar and insulin volatility. Though maple syrup might be marginally healthier than refined sugar, it is still a food you should not eat everyday.
102. Pretzels
Manufacturer: Auntie Anne’s, Rold Gold, Nabisco, Federal Pretzel Baking Company
Est. Price: $3-$6 per bag*
Pretzels are often a go-to snack for anyone who wants a quick taste of something carbohydrate-filled and salty. Though pretzels only have one gram of fat per serving, that doesn’t mean that they’re a good snack choice.
They are refined carbs, which means they offer little to no nutritional value. Also, pretzels are very salty. Just ten of them can give you more than half of the sodium you need each day. Too much sodium can lead to greater water retention, which in turn can cause bloating and puffiness. Of course, too much salt, in general, can even lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
103. Bottled Smoothies
Manufacturer: Naked, Evolution, Suja, Splendid Spoon
Est. Price: $3-$5 per bottle*
Smoothies have a reputation of being healthy, and we’re not sure why. Though they might be made with fruit, which is technically a healthy food, that doesn’t mean that everything else that goes into smoothies is quite as healthy. The number-one problem with these drinks is their sugar content.
Bottled or unbottled, smoothies are often high in sugar. While you might get calcium, potassium, fiber, and other minerals from the fruit used, you’re also getting a high dose of refined sugar. For example, a bottle of Naked’s Green Machine juice has fifty-three grams of sugar and sixty-three grams of carbs.
104. Pepperidge Farm Cookies
Manufacturer: Pepperidge Farm
Est. Price: $3.18 per 6oz. bag of Milano cookies*
Pepperidge Farm is one of the most popular cookie-makers out there. Their Double Chocolate Milano cookie is perhaps the most famous sweet that they offer, and they sell people on the cookies because they are baked with “real, kitchen pantry ingredients.”
As with any snack food, these cookies should be consumed in moderation. One bag of Milano Milk Chocolate Cookies has fifty-five grams of sugar. Though there are sugar-free versions of Pepperidge Farm cookies, they still are high in carbohydrates and white flour. Also, sugar substitutes, when eaten in high quantities, can wreak all sorts of havoc on your stomach.
105. Soybean Oil
Manufacturer: Bunge Limited, DuPont, LDC, Wilmar
Est. Price: $8.70 per ton*
Soybean oil is the most widely-consumed oil in America. That is bad news for Americans, as, according to Science Daily, oil leads to a lot of problems. Not only can soybean oil consumption cause obesity, which in turn can lead to diabetes, but soybean oil can also affect neurological conditions.
If you have ailments like depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism, soybean oil can make these problems worse. Though soybean oil has omega-3 fats and Vitamin E, you can easily take supplements of these nutrients, rather than eat foods packed with all of the unhealthy stuff that soybean oil has to offer.
106. Croissants
Manufacturer: Jimmy Deans, Pillsbury, Starbucks
Est. Price: $4-$6 per pack*
Croissants are the epitome of an empty-calorie food. While they’re great with a cup of coffee every once in a while, keep the croissant consumption to a minimum. Croissants are a hefty source of saturated fat, as the amount of butter that is used to make its flaky goodness causes it to be packed full of bad fats.
In a croissant, you’ll find more than 40% of the recommended limit of saturated fats. Croissants are even higher in calories than white bread, and they have less fiber content, too. This junk food is only best as an occasional treat.
107. Deli Meats
Manufacturer: Applegate, Boar’s Head, Hillshire Farm
Est. Price: $5-$10 per pound*
Processed meat is always going to be a no-no. When we say “processed,” we are referring to meat that has been modified to extend its shelf life and/or improve its test. There are quite a few methods of meat processing, and they include salting, fermentation, curing, smoking, and more.
Deli meats are a classic example of processed meat, as they have been modified to have a longer shelf life than regular meat. Deli meats tend to have large amounts of saturated fat, as well as a high dose of sodium. Both saturated fat and sodium have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and, of course, obesity.
108. Waffles
Manufacturer: Eggo, Kashi, Nature’s Path, 365
Est. Price: $4-$8 per box*
When you think of waffles, you might think of the classic Eggo yellow boxes. Though waffles are delicious, they should not be your go-to breakfast food every day. While it’s true that more and more waffles are being made with whole grains, they still can be high in sugar and white flour, neither of which are healthy for you.
If you’re ordering a waffle at a restaurant, you run the risk of consuming a ton of sugar. For example, the Belgian Waffle from IHOP has nearly 600 calories, seventeen grams of sugar, and twenty-nine grams of fat. The high sugar content means that you’ll be hungry a short time after eating the waffle—it won’t fill you up the way a nutritious breakfast would.
109. McDonald’s Apple Pie
Manufacturer: McDonald’s
Est. Price: $0.99*
McDonald’s apple pie is a popular dessert at the fast-food restaurant, and people often incorrectly assume that it is healthy, as it isn’t as calorie-packed as other desserts on the menu. McDonald’s also revamped the pie, giving it better numbers than the old version. The new pies have less saturated fat than the old ones.
However, there are still six grams of saturated fat and 240 empty calories in the apple pies. There are also sixteen grams of sugar. While that isn’t as bad as a small chocolate shake (74 grams of sugar), it’ll still spike your blood sugar.
110. Crackers
Manufacturer: Ritz, Club, Town House, Cheez-It, Nabisco
Est. Price: $3-$6 per box*
WebMD listed crackers as some of the “worst snacks” you can eat. When you’re feeling hungry, you might feel tempted to reach for a box of crackers and dig in. However, that won’t stave off your hunger as well as a snack with a high fiber and/or protein content.
Crackers are low in fiber, and they don’t give you an energy boost. They are also high in sodium, which means that they can make you feel bloated after you eat them. According to Eat This, some of the worst crackers on the market at the Nabisco Wheat Thins Originals, as they are actually quite unhealthy, despite having “Wheat” in the title.
111. Jam
Manufacturer: Smuckers, Polaner, Briermere Farms, Market Pantry
Est. Price: $2-$7 per jar*
Jams and jellies are some of peoples’ most favorite condiments. They’re particularly good when added to a bagel or a piece of toast. According to Statista, Americans’ favorite jam is strawberry, and nearly 164 million Americans consume strawberry jam every year.
Homemade jams are often healthier for you than the off-the-shelf brands, as they are at least made without preservatives. But, jams and jellies have high sugar contents, as well as trans fats. This can lead to inflammation, weight gain, cavities, and heart problems. Eating jam every morning for breakfast can even, because of the sugar content, increase your risk for Type II diabetes.
112. Canned Soup
Manufacturer: Progresso, Campbell’s, Trader Joe’s, Wolfgang Puck, Amy’s Organic
Est. Price: $1-$5 per can*
Your body does need at least a small amount of sodium to function, but many Americans eat way too much. Too much sodium causes you to retain fluid, which can cause higher blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for deadly diseases like stroke, heart failure, and heart attack.
If you’re keeping tabs on your sodium intake, canned soup will not be your friend. Though a delicious meal every once in a while, these foods can be sky-high in salt. Some cans even have as much as 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half your daily recommended intake.
113. Muffins
Manufacturer: Little Bites, Krusteaz, Otis Spunkmeyer
Est. Price: $2.50 per box of Little Bites*
Muffins have a reputation as a great breakfast food. While they go well with a cup of coffee, you’d be wise not to make them into your daily breakfast. Muffins are often high in calories, refined flour, and added sugar. Making homemade muffins is a way that you can ensure the ingredients are healthier, but, even then, you should make them only an occasional treat.
Store-bought muffins are the biggest health culprits, as many contain more than 400 calories per muffin. For example, a chocolate-chip muffin from Dunkin’ Donuts contains forty-nine grams of sugar and eighty-five grams of carbohydrates.
114. Barbecue Sauce
Manufacturer: Sweet Baby Ray’s, Kraft, Jones, Stubb’s, King’s
Est. Price: $4-$10 per bottle*
Barbecue sauce is often peoples’ favorite go-to when it comes to seasoning chicken and beef. After all, the taste is smoky and sweet, and it brings back memories of summer picnics and the Fourth of July. However, be careful how much BBQ sauce you eat.
Bottled barbecue sauce isn’t usually all that healthy. For example, Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Barbecue Sauce comes with sixteen grams of sugar, fifteen of which are added. Luckily, more and more bottled sauces are being made with less sugar, and there are even brands that make sugar-free BBQ sauce. Make sure you’re reading the back of bottles’ labels before purchasing.
115. Deep-Fried Foods
Manufacturer: Various restaurants, especially fast food joints
Est. Price: $10-$20 per meal*
The way that deep-fried foods are prepared is what makes them so bad for you. These foods are prepared in super-high temperatures using vegetable oil. Vegetable oil has a lot of trans fats to begin with and, when it is heated, it only increases those toxins.
Trans-fat is the worst kind of fat you can eat, and deep-fried foods are some of the biggest carriers of trans fats. Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol while lowering your good cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease—American adults’ number-one killer. Avoid deep-fried foods, and, instead try baking the food in the oven or air-frying it with no oil.
116. Bacon
Manufacturer: Smithfield, Jimmy Dean’s, North Country, Hatfield
Est. Price: $4-$7 per pack*
In America, people believe that everything is better with bacon. While bacon isn’t the horrifically unhealthy food that it has been portrayed as, it’s certainly not a health food. There are high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives in bacon, which makes it a food you should eat in strict moderation.
Foods with these toxins can cause high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. The typical serving size of bacon is small, but people often eat way more than they should. The serving size is usually one or two pieces, but it’s not unheard of for people to double, triple, or even quadruple that in just one meal.
117. Doughnuts
Manufacturer: Krispy Kreme, Entenmann’s, Dunkin’ Donuts
Est. Price: $0.99-$3 per doughnut*
Grabbing a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts is the preferred start to the day for a lot of Americans. However, these fried pastries will cost you anywhere from 250 to 550 calories. While that isn’t the main problem, it’s still more than you want to consume for such a nutrient-empty food.
The real issue with donuts is what makes them delicious in the first place: their sugar content. There is anywhere from fifteen to thirty grams of sugar in a donut, which causes your body to have to pump out insulin to fix it. This causes a blood sugar spike that leads to a huge sugar crash by lunchtime.
118. Cream Cheese
Manufacturer: Philadelphia, The Laughing Cow, Dutch Farms, Prairie Farms
Est. Price: $3.98 per 16oz. pack of Philadelphia*
Cream cheese is pretty versatile. You can put it on almost anything, from a bagel to celery to cake. Cream cheese is high in Vitamin A, and it does not have a lot of lactose, which can raise your heart disease. However, cream cheese isn’t a healthy food, per se.
The topping is low in protein, and it is usually high in calories and fat. In an eight-ounce serving of Philadelphia cream cheese, one of the most popular brands in America, there are two grams of protein and ten grams of fat. Whipped cream cheese, by contrast, is often lower in both calories and fat. So, if you have to pick, go with whipped.
119. Frozen Entrées
Manufacturer: Lean Cuisine, Amy’s, Michelina’s, Healthy Choice, Smart Ones, Bob Evans
Est. Price: $5-$15 per entree*
According to the Cleveland Clinic, frozen meals can be notoriously bad for you. They are often high in saturated fat and sodium, and some of the worst ones have as much as 7000 grams of sodium and four or five grams of saturated fat. It is best to keep the sodium in your frozen meals under 600 milligrams and choose meals with as little saturated fat as possible.
WebMD found that there are healthy frozen meal options out there, including Smart Ones Rigatoni with Broccoli and Chicken, Healthy Choice Mushroom Roasted Beef, Gardenburger Meals Meatless Glazed Chicken, and Micheline’s Lean Gourmet Chicken Alfredo Florentine.
120. Charred Meats
Manufacturer: Various restaurants and fast food joints
Est. Price: $15-$30 per meal*
Charred meat, for whatever reason, is a huge hit with some people. Charred meats contain a lot of toxins that you don’t find in even the unhealthiest of foods. Recent government reports and studies, according to Cooking Light, have found that meats charred over a live fire can contain harmful carcinogens (a cancer-causing agent).
Science Focus found that charred foods can also develop polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines. But, the most concerning carcinogen is acrylamide, which is a compound that has been linked to nerve damage and cancer. Choose baked over charred, when it comes to meat.
121. Drive-Thru Fast Foods
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, In-N-Out, and more
Est. Price: $5-$15 per meal*
We all know by now that fast food is bad for us. Sure, it’s convenient to go through the drive-through and pick up a burger and fries or a bucket of chicken, but these splurges can have real consequences if they’re done too often. Fast food has little to no nutrients.
These foods, whether they’re from Taco Bell or Burger King, tend to contain saturated fats, trans fats, high sugar and salt content, and a ton of processed ingredients and preservatives. Chances are, within an hour after you eat your fast food meal, you’ll feel hungry once again.
122. Granola
Manufacturer: Bear Naked, Nature Valley, Quaker, Cascadian Farms, Kellogg’s, Heartland
Est. Price: $4-$10 per bag*
Granola has its nutritional benefits, and it can be quite filling, as it often contains whole grains and fiber. Though we wouldn’t say that granola is unhealthy, it is definitely a food whose labels you want to read closely. A lot of varieties of granola have excess sugar and high calories, which can be harmful to your health.
Choose granola with whole ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and raisins, which are high in fiber and protein. Don’t be swayed by “low-fat” labels, either. For example, Heartland Low-Fat Granola Cereal has little fat, but it contains ten grams of sugar in each serving.
123. Cinnamon Rolls
Manufacturer: Cinnabon, Pillsbury, Meijer, Annie’s Organic, Rhodes
Est. Price: $12.99 for four rolls from Cinnabon*
A cinnamon roll is one of the most common sweet pastries in America. While we all love the sweet smell of passing by a Cinnabon, cinnamon rolls are best reserved for an occasional treat. These rolls are high in carbs and sugar, with the average bun containing seventeen grams of sugar and thirty-two carbs (and that’s not even counting the sweet icing).
There are also sixteen grams of fat in the average cinnamon roll, eight of which are saturated and 0.1 of which is trans. Vitamin-wise, cinnamon rolls are pretty dismal, with only a tiny bit of iron, calcium, and magnesium to their name.
124. Onion Rings
Manufacturer: Sonic, Whataburger, Culver’s, Dairy Queen Grill, Carl’s Jr., A&W
Est. Price: $2-$4 per side*
Onion rings are often a substitute for French fries, which we all know aren’t good for you. Just because they’re a substitute does not mean that onion rings should be a go-to side. These fried onions are almost identical in nutritional value to French fries.
As a side in chain restaurants, the average serving of onion rings contains four-hundred calories, eight grams of saturated fat, twenty-two grams of fat, and a whopping 726 milligrams of sodium. Stack even went so far as to deem onion rings even “worst than French fries.” Consider substituting a side of vegetables instead.
125. Fruit Jelly Cups
Manufacturer: Trenton Trending, others
Est. Price: $9.99*
As you may imagine, the nutritional value of fruit jelly cups isn’t exactly ideal. They are very high in sugar and are often made with artificial flavorings and colorants that aren’t usually recommended as a part of a healthy diet. But that’s not even the worst part of that candy.
Jelly cups have been banned in a few countries because they are a choking hazard due to their shape and size. They can be particularly dangerous for younger children, so there are more than enough reasons to leave them out of your table.
126. Canned Sardines
Manufacturer: Great Value, others
Est. Price: $0.88*
Canned sardines are a great choice when you need a quick bite. They are high in protein, which helps you maintain your muscle mass, and they contain calcium and omega-3. However, even if they are relatively healthy, they also have some disadvantages you need to know.
To can the sardines, some companies use materials containing BPA, which can be toxic and has been linked to cancer, diabetes, and infertility. If you are going to eat canned sardines, you can avoid this problem by making sure that the product you buy has quality packaging.
127. Turmeric
Manufacturer: McCormick, Great Value, others
Est. Price: $1.98*
Turmeric is one of the essential spices in Indian cuisine. Lately, it has also become quite popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it also has some disadvantages that you may not know, but should be aware of.
Ironically enough, despite being an anti-inflammatory, if eaten in large quantities, turmeric can cause bloating. There have also been cases of people who can get diarrhea, headaches, and nausea after overeating it. If you plan to include it in your diet, make sure you eat it moderately!
128. Sweet Potato
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: $1.02*
Sweet potatoes have become increasingly popular during the last two decades. In fact, between 2000 and 2014, sweet potato consumption has increased by 80 percent! Many people have spoken about the benefits of this tuberous vegetable, but do you know the risks that come with eating it?
Sweet potatoes can provoke allergic reactions such as headaches, itchiness, or nausea in some people. Apart from that, if overeaten, they can spike blood sugar levels. Even if they are healthy root vegetables, you should eat them as a part of a varied diet and not as your primary source of nutrients.
129. Soy Sauce Marinated Eggs
Manufacturer: Great Value, Kikkoman, others
Est. Price: $6*
Soy sauce marinated eggs have gained popularity over the past few months. The reason? They are a key component of ramen, which has also become one of the favorite dishes of foodies worldwide. But what about their nutritional content? Are these eggs as healthy as they are delicious?
Excessive consumption of eggs has been linked to increased cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition to that, eating many eggs has also been associated with higher risks of prostate cancer. If you cook eggs, marinate them in soy sauce, throw them in a bowl of ramen and eat it, you’ll probably be consuming a very high amount of sodium. This dish may be a good treat, but you probably shouldn’t make it a staple in your diet.
130. Leafy Greens
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: $2.08 to $4.98*
Who would have thought that even leafy greens may pose a risk to your health? Even if spinach, kale, chard, and arugula are some of the healthiest foods out there, they may not be entirely harmless if you consume them carelessly. So how can these foods be damaging to your health?
The main problem is not the leaves themselves but what sticks to them. These leafy greens are often full of pesticides, bacteria, and dirt. Luckily, you can solve this problem by washing the leaves carefully and disinfecting them. If you make sure the leaves are nice and clean, you can eat leafy vegetables every single day without any issues.
131. Coconut Oil
Manufacturer: Nutiva, 365, NOW Foods, Trader Joe’s, and more
Est. Price: $7-$15*
Coconut oil has often made headlines as the must-have health food. Compared to vegetable oil, it is healthier, but the Mayo Clinic warns that it has been shown to elevate your cholesterol levels, both good and bad. Coconut oil has more than fourteen grams of saturated fat per serving, making it easy to overdo it.
Like anything with saturated fat, you should make sure that you consume it in moderation and in small doses. Too-high cholesterol can lead to stroke, peripheral artery disease, and heart disease. It can also increase your risk for heart issues. You can find the same saturated fats in coconut oil in dairy and meat products.
132. Kombucha
Manufacturer: Synergy, G&T, Suja, Holy, Better Booch, and more
Est. Price: $4 per 16oz. bottle*
Kombucha is a fermented, sweet tea drink that is commonly drunk for its health benefits. The CDC recommends that you not overdo it when it comes to this tea, capping your consumption at four to twelve ounces.
Drinking too much of this tea can possibly lead to side effects like stomachache, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. WebMD says that kombucha is “possibly safe” for most adults. Additionally, the added sugar and calories of kombucha make it something you want to drink in moderation, as the fermented drink’s health benefits will easily be outweighed if you overdo it.
133. Pop-Tarts
Manufacturer: Kellogg’s
Est. Price: $5.24*
Healthline described Pop-Tarts as one of America’s “15 unhealthiest junk foods.” These tasty, convenient breakfast pastries are full of sugar, unhealthy oils, and refined flour. They have next to no protein or fiber, which means you’re more than likely going to be hungry shortly after you eat one (or two).
Pop Tarts’ sweet taste comes from high fructose corn syrup. HFSC can wreak havoc on your blood sugar, in addition to adding a ton of calories to your daily diet. The Pop-Tarts are purposely made to be super-palatable so that you crave more after you eat them.
134. Turkey Dinosaurs
Manufacturer: Bernard Matthews Foods Limited
Est. Price: $2 per pack*
Just because a food is processed, that does not automatically make it unhealthy. However, in the case of Turkey Dinosaurs, which are made by Bernard Matthews, they actually aren’t that good for you. Everyone’s favorite childhood dinner contains excess salt, sugar, and fat, which Bernard Matthews puts in its food to enhance its texture, flavor, and longevity.
For each dinosaur, there are 151 calories. So, depending on how many you eat, you could easily consume hundreds upon hundreds of calories in a single sitting. Even if you pair the Turkey Dinosaurs with something healthy, like vegetables, that might not be enough to outweigh their ultra-processed nature.
135. Oat Milk
Manufacturer: MALK, Elmhurst, Planet Oak, Silk, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per carton*
There are a lot of faux milks out there, including almond, soy, hemp, and oat. Oat milk is high in protein and nutrients, but you should be advised that it isn’t good for people who are gluten sensitive, no matter whether they have Celiac’s Disease or not.
You should also note that unflavored oat milk has the highest calorie and carb count of all plant-based milks. Though it is true that oat milk is full of natural sugar, it is still high in carbs. If you’re trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, this milk might not be a great addition to your diet.
136. Vitamin Water
Manufacturer: Coca-Cola
Est. Price: $1.09 for a 20oz. bottle*
Men’s Health said that Vitamin Water’s “health claims” are, in reality, “sugary lies.” Vitamin Water claims to be one of the healthiest drinks around because it puts added nutrients in its flavored waters. However, that’s not all that Vitamin Water adds to its products.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, there is also a lot of sugar. Besides, very few people are actually deficient in the nutrients that Vitamin Water adds to its bottled drinks, so you’re drinking a very sugary beverage with little-to-no benefit. Plus, Healthline reported that consuming too much Vitamins E and A has been linked to an “increased…premature death risk.”
137. Subway Sandwiches
Manufacturer: Subway
Est. Price: $5-$8 for a footlong*
Don’t listen to Subway’s disgraced spokesperson. You probably will not lose weight if all you eat are Subway sandwiches. Though Subway is one of the most popular fast food joints in the world, it is not good to eat there too often. When you eat a foot-long Subway sandwich, you are consuming around 1,020 calories.
One-third of these come from carbohydrates, and the rest come from fat. If you get a cookie and chips with it, as well as a drink, you can easily eat your entire caloric daily value in one sitting. Bottom line: Subway is delicious, but indulge in moderation (and maybe stick with a six-inch).
138. Sushi
Manufacturer: RiceSelect, Natural Earth, Tamaki, Lundberg, Annie Chun’s, and more
Est. Price: $2-$5 per roll*
Sushi is a popular takeout item, and sushi restaurants gross billions of dollars every year. There are so many different types of sushi, and nearly all of them are delicious. The main issue is that sushi has a lot of sodium, according to WebMD.
That’s an issue, as most Americans already eat too much sodium anyway. The common sushi topping, soy sauce, also has a lot of sodium. It is also hard to practice portion control when it comes to sushi. One roll (between six and nine pieces) can have as many as five hundred calories, and who eats just one roll?
139. Jalapeno Peppers
Manufacturer: San Marcos, Ortega, La Costena, and more
Est. Price: $10.90 per pound*
If you’ve ever eaten a jalapeno pepper, then you can probably guess why these foods are bad for you. They are quite spicy, and WebMD says that the peppers’ capsaicin can cause severe heartburn and very bad problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.). If you have any type of digestive condition, stay away from these spicy peppers.
Even in people without preexisting conditions, the capsaicin might not sit too well. Gauge yourself when you eat them—only eat one or two at a time until you know for sure that your system can tolerate jalapenos.
140. Canned Fish
Manufacturer: StarKist, Safe Catch, 365, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$6 per can*
Happily, the majority of canned seafoods are “perfectly safe” and very healthy, according to The Daily Meal. Nutritionists have noted that there are some brands that have higher levels of sodium and mercury than their counterparts. Too much sodium can lead to stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.
But, canned fish is still quite as rich in Omega-3s and proteins as fresh fish. Canned salmon, kippered herring, tuna, and sardines are “on par” with fresh fish, says Harvard Health. But, always make sure to check the sodium content on the cans to make sure you won’t be consuming too much salt.
141. Overdone Toast
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: N/A
It’s all too easy to burn toast, especially if you are not paying attention. Some of us might suck it up and eat it anyway, but be careful, as this toast contains acrylamide. Acrylamide is a compound that starchy foods form during high-heat baking and cooking methods, such as frying and roasting.
Animal studies have proven that consuming acrylamide in high amounts can increase the risk of cancer, though human research has had mixed results. Better safe than sorry—just scrape off the burnt pieces if you accidentally crisp your toast. Or, even better, just make a new piece.
142. Chia Seeds
Manufacturer: Viva Naturals, Healthworks, Better Body Foods, etc.
Est. Price: $8 per pound*
Firstly, chia seeds, which have become yet another darling of the health food industry, can cause harm to your body if you consume them excessively. These seeds can cause gastrointestinal problems because, when exposed to liquid, they expand to ten to twelve times their weight.
This also makes them a choking risk. Swallow these seeds carefully, especially if you are eating them dry. If you don’t give the chia seeds any liquid to absorb before you eat them, this could potentially cause a blockage in your intestines. If the situation gets really bad, you could end up in the E.R.
143. Matcha
Manufacturer: Starbucks, Pure, Tazo, Encha, and more
Est. Price: $4.65 for a Grande Matcha Tea Latte at Starbucks*
Drinking matcha (and green tea) is a safe and healthy activity most of the time, but you should know that matcha has a lot of caffeine in it. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you should be careful. Too much caffeine can cause jitteriness and heart palpitations.
Also, be careful what kind of matcha drink you are consuming. A Matcha Tea Latte from Starbucks has 28 grams of sugar in a Venti, along with over two hundred calories. The Matcha drinks have become some of Starbucks’ most popular, but a lot of people don’t realize just how sugary they are.
144. Vegetable Chips
Manufacturer: SunChips, Brad’s, Tostitos, and more
Est. Price: $2–$5 per bag*
Veggie chips have often billed themselves as being healthier than regular potato chips. In reality, they aren’t any healthier than fried potato chips, according to Cooking Light. Though their name implies that they are nutritious, don’t be fooled. Veggie Straws are deep-fried to give them a crunchy, airy product.
These deep-fried snacks are just a notch above potato chips. If you want to swap out veggie chips with something non-processed, try fresh vegetables with hummus, lightly-salted nuts, or make your own homemade vegetable chips. You’ll still get the salt and crunch without all the processed ingredients.
145. Salted Caramel
Manufacturer: Bakeries, Tara’s, Sanders, and more
Est. Price: $10-$20*
Salted caramel is not just delicious, it is physically addictive, according to studies from the University of Florida. These studies found that when you eat something sweet, fatty, or salty (i.e. salted caramel), your brain releases endogenous opioids. That’s right—salted caramel is basically the heroin of sweets.
Caramel has no nutrients—there is no potassium or calcium. There is a ton of sugar, in addition to the sea salt. We’re not saying you can never eat this treat, but definitely make sure that you aren’t eating it by the spoonful on a regular basis (tempting though that may be).
146. Calamari
Manufacturer: SeaPak, Great Value, and more
Est. Price: $6-$12 per pound*
Calamari, AKA fried squid, is eaten in a lot of different countries. There are a ton of different ways to cook and prepare squid, but fried calamari is a common sight on many seafood restaurants’ menus. Once the squid is fried, that leads to a high total fat content.
If squid is not fried, it is actually relatively healthy. Though calamari, even when fried, has minerals and vitamins, you will still want to eat it rarely because of the high cholesterol, sodium, and fat. It does make a delicious appetizer, though.
147. Coke Zero
Manufacturer: Coca-Cola
Est. Price: $4.98 per 12-pack of cans*
Coke Zero is a way for people to enjoy the taste of Coca-Cola while skipping the calories and sugar. Coke Zero, along with other diet drinks, often re-ignite the debate about aspartame and artificial sweeteners. Coke Zero has a lower aspartame content than Diet Coke, but, if you believe that artificial sweeteners are bad for you, you should avoid it.
There are some studies that show a link between artificial sweeteners and heart disease, according to Healthline. At the same time, there is conflicting research that these sweeteners are safe. Perhaps it is better to just cut your losses and drink some water with lemon instead.
148. Decaf Coffee
Manufacturer: Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Folgers, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 for a small cup*
Eat This said that it is the process of decaffeinating coffee that causes it to pose risk. Though the National Coffee Association disagrees, some research has shown that the decaffeination process increases fatty acids. These fatty acids can increase your risk for heart disease and affect your metabolism.
Also, if you’re drinking decaf because you are sensitive to caffeine, be advised that there are still small amounts of caffeine in the drink. The caffeine in coffee can cause sensitive people to experience insomnia, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, restlessness, and even anxiety. Decaf is not truly a caffeine-free drink, as it has two milligrams of caffeine in it. It is better classed as a “low caffeine” drink.
149. Raw Cake Batter
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: N/A
The CDC has been telling us not to do this for years, and a lot of people refuse to listen. Apparently, raw or unbaked batter or dough can make you sick. To back up these claims, there actually was an E. Coli outbreak in 2021, which sparked a new round of CDC warnings.
Yes, raw cake batter is delicious, but resist the urge. Raw eggs and uncooked flour can have salmonella and E. Coli, two diseases that are unpleasant at best and require hospitalization at worst. You shouldn’t even let your kids handle raw dough, even homemade playdough, if the dough has eggs or uncooked flour in it.
150. Smart Water
Manufacturer: Coca-Cola
Est. Price: $1.39 for a 23.7oz. bottle*
Smart Water has electrolytes, and that has been a huge part of its marketing since the brand’s inception. Though drinking Smart Water can help you replenish loss of electrolytes, there can be some real consequences if you are replacing the electrolytes faster than you’re losing them.
If you have too many electrolytes, you can wind up with too much sodium in your body. Called hypernatremia, this condition can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you have too much potassium, this can lead to nausea, heart arrhythmia, and pulse irregularity. Drinking too much Smart Water can have some very unhealthy effects.
151. Pre-Made Sauces
Manufacturer: Ragu, Prego, Rao’s, 365, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per jar*
Premade sauces are a convenient way to enjoy pasta and meat without having to take the extra time to make the sauce yourself. However, make sure you’re reading the ingredient labels on the backs of these sauces, as they are often packed full of sugar, salt, and fat. There isn’t a lot of fiber in store-bought sauces, so you don’t get the same nutrition you would if the sauce were homemade.
According to Good Housekeeping, there are some healthy sauces, made by brands like Kevin’s Natural Foods, Chosen Foods, and Saffron Road, that line the shelves. You just have to make sure you grab them and not an unhealthier option.
152. Jelly Beans
Manufacturer: Jelly Belly, Lifesavers, Trader Joe’s, Brach’s, Starburst, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$4 per pack*
Jelly beans are so small, you might not realize how many you’re eating until you have devoured the whole bag. These fruity treats have a ton of sugar in them. Sugar, corn syrup, and starch are the three main ingredients you’ll find in most jelly beans.
Ten small jelly beans have, on average, eight grams of sugar. No one eats just ten jelly beans, so it is easy to imagine eating three or four times that in one sitting. To make matters worse, jelly beans have no nutrients, fiber, or protein in them, and there are often a lot of artificial colorings and dyes to boot.
153. Banana Chips
Manufacturer: Bare, Gerbs, Market Pantry, 365, and more
Est. Price: $2-$7 per pack*
Banana chips might seem healthy at first. After all, they are chips made with fruit—what could go wrong? Much like veggie chips, banana chips aren’t all that they seem. They are loaded with saturated fat, calories, and added sugar. If you want banana chips but want to skip the unhealthy additives, find dehydrated and non-fried chips without any added sugar.
Better yet, just eat an actual banana. For every ounce of deep-fried banana chips, there are ten grams of sugar and ten grams of fat. While there is some fiber and protein, these quantities are minimal at best.
154. Breath Mints
Manufacturer: Altoids, Tic Tac, Lifesavers, etc.
Est. Price: $1-$5 per pack*
According to Willow Pass Dental Care, breath mints are harmless, as long as you consume them in moderation and do not attempt to replace actual oral hygiene with them. These hard candies can lead to tooth damage and put you at risk for tooth decay, especially if they have sugar in them.
Also, breath mints freshen breath, but they do not treat the root cause of the bad breath. If you’ve eaten something bad, you need to brush, floss, and use mouthwash. If the problem is more deep-rooted, you need to see your dentist to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
155. Trail Mix
Manufacturer: Market Pantry, Kirkland Signature, Great Value
Est. Price: $5-$10*
When you think of trail mix, chances are your mind jumps to images of hiking, canoeing, and being out in nature. Sounds healthy, right? While trail mix can be healthy, there are also some examples of this “nature food” being pretty sugar-loaded. It all depends on what the mix has in it.
Nuts, dried fruit, and bran are examples of healthy trail mix ingredients, while chocolate chips, M&Ms, and other sugary additions can tank trail mix’s nutritional value. You might find yourself ingesting way more sugar than you planned, thus canceling out whatever exercise is accompanying your trail mix.
156. Almond Butter
Manufacturer: Justin’s, Maranatha, Barney
Est. Price: $7-$10*
Almond butter has a lot of benefits. Though it is calorie-dense, those who aren’t focused on calorie-restricting will enjoy the fact that it is high in “good” (monounsaturated) fats. These fats lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, and the omega-3 fatty acids are great for your heart.
Almond butter, when sweetened, can be high in sugar. Make sure that you’re purchasing organic almond butter with no additives or added sugar. Otherwise, you might find that the health benefits are outweighed by the negatives. Some brands of nut butter have added sugar—make sure you’re reading the back of the jar.
157. Muesli
Manufacturer: Bob’s Red Mill, Alpen Cereal, Three Sisters, and more
Est. Price: $6-$15*
Muesli is a type of cold oatmeal that is made from rolled oats, seeds, nuts, and dried or fresh fruits. Traditionally, this dish was prepared with cream and citrus juice, along with a sweetener like honey. While muesli is high in fiber, it can also be high in sugar, especially if it is pre-made.
According to the American Heart Association, women and men are not supposed to exceed 24 and 36 grams of sugar, respectively. In one cup of pre-made, packaged muesli, there can be as many as 26 grams of sugar, well over the recommended daily value.
158. Mangoes
Manufacturer: India, Thailand, China, Indonesia
Est. Price: $1.32*
Mangos are delicious orange fruits that are high in Vitamin C, fiber, and other must-have nutrients. That said, mangos are one of the fruits that are “highest in sugar,” according to WebMD. If you’re trying to watch your sugar intake or weight, mangos might not be the best choice.
One mango has around 46 grams of sugar—that is way over the RDV for men and women. Pomegranates, cherries, oranges, and bananas are also some of the sweetest fruits. If you’re eating mango, keep the serving size small (around half a cup), perhaps as a tasty sweet dessert after dinner.
159. Baked Potato Chips
Manufacturer: Lay’s, Ruffles, Tostitos, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$7*
Baking has always been touted as the healthier alternative to frying, and for good reason. Fried foods are toxic to your entire body. Baked potato chips use no oil in the cooking process, as the slices are baked, not fried. Baked potato chips are often considered healthier, as they don’t have as much fat as fried chips.
Watch out though, as baked chips are still high in sodium and empty carbohydrates. In one serving size, there are 160 milligrams of sodium. While Lay’s and other companies tout that there is less fat, you can’t forget about the salt. Baked chips are not a health food, sorry to say.
160. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Manufacturer: Restaurants, Philadelphia Dips, T.G.I Friday’s, Stonemill Kitchens, etc.
Est. Price: $8-$15*
WebMD definitively listed spinach artichoke dip as one of the “worst appetizers” you can get (it’s a shame it’s so delicious). The cream base is the troublemaker with this appetizer, as it is absolutely loaded with saturated, bad fat. Alternative recipes suggest using nonfat Greek yogurt as a base, though restaurants, as you can imagine, do not do that.
One serving of spinach artichoke dip has 1,600 calories, 2,500 milligrams of sodium, and 100 grams of fat. Though some people may be fooled by the fact that this appetizer has “spinach” and “artichoke” in its name, don’t be misled—it’s not a healthy snack.
161. Coleslaw
Manufacturer: Kraft, Hidden Valley, Walden Farms, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10*
The one good thing about coleslaw is that it can be made in a variety of ways. Coleslaw has shredded vegetables, which means it is packed with fiber. The main issue with this side dish’s healthiness is the dressing in which it is made.
A lot of creamy coleslaw dressing has high fat and added sugar content. Mayonnaise is a common dressing, and it often has a lot of saturated fat. The calorie-dense dressing, according to The Daily Meal, can “break” your heart (literally) if you eat a lot of it over time. Skip the clogged arteries and choose coleslaw with no mayo.
162. Gummy Vitamins
Manufacturer: Vitafusion, Nature Made, SmartyPants, etc.
Est. Price: $10-$20*
People take gummy vitamins because they have necessary nutrients and are delicious. They taste sweet, so kids and adults find the vitamin-taking process far more pleasant than it would be with a pill or something flavorless. That sweetness can add up, however.
Per serving, gummy vitamins can have between two and eight grams of sugar. If you take two a day, this means you’re ingesting an added four to sixteen grams. This can quickly dent your daily allotment. When you’re selecting a gummy vitamin, make sure you look at the back of the label to choose the least-sugary option.
163. Dates
Manufacturer: Terrasoul, Mariani, Dole, etc.
Est. Price: $8-$15*
Dates are a type of fresh stone fruit. Often, they’re eaten dried. Dates have phytonutrients, which are plant compounds that might be able to stimulate your immune system, prevent damage to your DNA, reduce inflammation, and help hormone regulation.
That said, dates are not a wise choice for anyone looking to monitor their sugar intake. They are a high source of natural sugar. For example, a pitted, dried Medjool date has sixteen grams of sugar. Though they have a low G.I., this is not a snack that you’ll want to binge-eat. One or two of these fruits at a time is the best serving size, particularly if you’re trying to watch your sugar.
164. Egg Substitutes
Manufacturer: Egg Beaters, Just Egg, Bob’s Red Mill, and more
Est. Price: $5-$20*
If you’ve been down the egg aisle in the grocery store, you’ve likely seen egg substitutes. These substitutes are made from 99% egg whites that have spices, xanthan gum, dye, and more to make them look like real eggs. Vegan egg substitutes are often made from tapioca starch and potato.
Popular egg substitutes do have the same amount of protein and fat as a regular egg. However, they’re missing some important minerals and vitamins. A regular egg, with a yolk, has thirteen essential minerals and vitamins. Egg substitutes, because they get rid of the yolk, are lacking these must-haves.
165. Applesauce
Manufacturer: Mott’s, Musselman’s, Dole, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$10*
Both apples and applesauce are high in sugar, though they tend to have fiber that can mitigate these natural sugars. That said, be very cautious of eating sweetened applesauce. One cup of sweetened applesauce has thirty-six grams of sugar, which is far over the R.D.V. There are only three grams of fiber, too.
Applesauce that is unsweetened does a little bit better, as far as its nutritional profile. There are only 11.5 grams of sugar per serving. There are also fewer calories. Bottom line: choose unsweetened applesauce over-sweetened when you’re looking for a fruit-based, fiber-packed snack.
166. White Rice
Manufacturer: Nishiki, Annie Chun’s, Lundberg, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$8*
White rice has long been considered an empty carb, as it loses nutrients when its germ and bran have been removed. Sometimes, companies will enrich white rice with B vitamins and iron. Still, health communities are not a big fan. Brown rice only has its hull removed—it keeps the other healthy stuff.
White rice’s glycemic index is higher than that of brown rice. This means that its carbs convert into blood sugar far more quickly than brown rice. According to Medical News Today, high consumption of white rice can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
167. Vegetable Pizza
Manufacturer: Trader Joe’s, Green Giant, restaurants, etc.
Est. Price: $10-$20*
Ordering a “veggie pizza” might seem like the healthiest option, and it can be. After all, according to Insider, fresh vegetables are some of the “healthiest pizza toppings” you can eat. If you eschew pepperoni, sausage, and other processed meats in favor of these vegetables, pizza gets a major health boost.
That said, pizza is still not a healthy food. Veggie or not, you don’t want to eat it daily. Pizza still contains a high amount of sodium, fat, and carbohydrates. As a result, when you eat pizza, your body might begin to crave foods that are high in sodium and saturated fats.
168. Vegan Cheese
Manufacturer: Daiya, Chao, Treeline, Miyokos, and more
Est. Price: $5-$15*
Vegan cheese is often touted as a dairy-free alternative to classic cheese. That said, not all vegan cheese is created equal. There are some versions with less nutritional value that are highly processed. Others, like Treeline and Miyokos, are brands that are some of the healthier vegan cheeses on the market.
Vegan cheese has a reputation for tasting like plastic, so there’s a good chance that you’ll have to try more than one brand to find the one that works for you. Make sure you read the ingredients to ensure that you’re picking a non-processed vegan cheese with as many whole ingredients as possible.
169. Green Juice
Manufacturer: Naked and more
Est. Price: $2-$6*
The original Green Juice is actually called aojiru. This Japanese veggie drink is made from young barley grass and kale, and it is very healthy for you. The taste, unfortunately, is famously unpleasant, so much so that Japanese game shows often use drinking a glass of aojiru as a punishment.
To try to mitigate this taste, juice manufacturers often add extras, such as added sugar. This results in a not-so-healthy drink. For example, Naked’s Green Machine has fifty-three grams of sugar. Though Green Juice can be very healthy, the added sugar in a lot of variations cancels out those health benefits.
170. Whole Wheat Bread
Manufacturer: Nature’s Own, Rudi’s, Sara Lee, Stroehmann, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6*
Whole wheat bread is often considered a healthier option to white bread, as it has more nutrients, such as fiber. Though you might choose this bread for its nutritional content, when you look at the back of the label, whole wheat bread often has just as many sugars and fillers as white. It also isn’t always fiber-packed.
If the bread is not completely whole wheat, it has enriched flour, which, in turn, can make your sugar spike and crash. Enriched flour means the bread’s nutrients have been stripped. Always check the back of the label to make sure you’re buying bread without this negative ingredient.
171. Flavored Oatmeal
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats, Better Oats, and more
Est. Price: $4-$8*
Oatmeal has long had a reputation for being fiber-packed and healthy for you. And that is true, as long as you buy the right type of oatmeal. Flavored oatmeal, like the kind sold in packets by Quaker Oats, are often jam-packed with sugar. According to CNN, flavored instant oatmeal tends to be “loaded” with salt and sugar, making it a “nutritionally inferior” choice.
For example, Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar has twelve grams of sugar (all added) per pack. If you’re a woman, that is one-half of your R.D.V. for sugar. If you’re a man, it’s one-third.
172. Spicy Tuna Roll
Manufacturer: Restaurants
Est. Price: $6.99*
Spicy tuna rolls are a popular order at sushi restaurants around the world, and it’s easy to see why—they’re delicious. Unfortunately, there are a few reasons why you will want to eat spicy tuna rolls in extreme moderation, if not skip them altogether. First, according to WebMD, tuna can have a “high” mercury content. Secondly, spicy tuna rolls are jam-packed with calories, thanks to the spicy mayonnaise in them.
In 2012, the F.D.A. urged diners to “avoid ordering” any spicy tuna because it contained the infamous “pink tuna slime.” Suppliers had to recall tens of thousands of pounds of tuna because of this nasty ingredient. If that doesn’t put you off spicy tuna, nothing will.
173. Skim Milk
Manufacturer: Great Value, Kroger, Fairlife, Horizon, etc.
Est. Price: $3.52 per gallon*
For this one, we’re talking about a specific subset of the population when it comes to avoiding skim milk. Toddlers and babies should not drink skim, as they need fat in their diets for healthy brain development, among other reasons. Kids one to two should drink whole milk, according to Kids’ Health.
The NHS actually advises giving kids whole milk until they are at least five, if not longer. Skim milk, along with one-percent milk, doesn’t have the nutritional profile of whole milk. Save skim and similar “diet” milks for adults, not kids. Really, almost all “diet” foods should be avoided when it comes to kids.
174. Banana Bread
Manufacturer: Maxine’s Heavenly, Krusteaz, Great Value, and more
Est. Price: $3-$8*
Banana bread tends to mislead people because it has a fruit in its name. According to Healthline, though banana bread is “delicious,” it tends to be high in refined carbs (the bad kind of carbohydrates), calories, and added sugar. Healthline says that banana bread should only be enjoyed “occasionally” among a balanced, nutritious diet.
If you’re going to make banana bread, there are a lot of recipes that allow you to substitute unhealthy ingredients for better ones. Homemade banana bread, as opposed to slices ordered from coffee shops and packaged in grocery store bakeries, allows you to control what goes into the treat.
175. Jarred Tomato Sauce
Manufacturer: Hunt’s, Ragu, Barilla, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5*
There are a million and one types of jarred tomato sauce out there. They’re convenient and require little to no work to make, so it is easy to see why people like them. According to She Finds, store-bought, jarred tomato and marinara sauces often have added sodium and sugar.
Though that helps with the flavor profile, it doesn’t exactly bode well for nutrition. For example, in one-quarter cup of Hunt’s Tomato Sauce, there are 410 milligrams of sodium and two grams of sugar. In an entire jar, there are 2,870 milligrams of sodium and fourteen grams of sugar.
176. Yogurt Raisins
Manufacturer: Mariani, Sun Maid, etc.
Est. Price: $4*
Compared to other snacks out there, yogurt raisins are not the worst treats you can have. They add fiber and nutrients to your diet, thanks to the raisin part, but you’ll want to watch your portion size. Yogurt-covered raisins can be addictive and, before you know it, you’ve eaten several sugary handfuls.
In one box of Sun Maid Vanilla Yogurt Raisins, which have just an ounce of these yogurt-covered dried fruits, there are seventeen grams of sugar. Nine of those grams are added. There is also less than one gram of fiber, as well as under a gram of protein.
177. Pita Chips
Manufacturer: Simply Naked, Stacy’s, Kellogg’s, and more
Est. Price: $3-$8*
The Washington Post called this a “so-called health food” that people should “avoid.” Pita chips tend to be made from white flour, salt, oil, and several other not-so-nutritious ingredients. They’re “no better” than potato chips, says the Post. Considering that research has shown that refined starches and grains increase your risk for weight gain, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, eating pita chips by the handful is not a good idea.
In fact, pita chips might even be worse than potato chips. As Mashed pointed out, at least when you eat potato chips, you eat “a vegetable.” Pita chips, it appears, are not a healthy alternative to Lay’s, no matter how much people misconceive them as.
178. Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Manufacturer: Simply, Ocean Spray, Welch’s, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$4*
Cranberry juice cocktail differs from cranberry juice because it has added sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, an enemy of nutritionists, to make it even sweeter. Cranberry juice, by contrast, tends to be labeled “100% juice,” and it is made from the juice of these tart fruits, nothing more.
Between the two, the cocktail is far worse for you. In eight ounces of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail, which does not use high fructose corn syrup, there are twenty-five grams of sugar, all but two of which are added. Though you get 100% of your R.D.V. of Vitamin C, the sugar content outweighs that benefit.
179. Deviled Eggs
Manufacturer: Kramer Farms and more
Est. Price: $3-$10*
Deviled eggs have been a popular appetizer for a while. The problem with these eggs doesn’t lie with the egg itself, as eggs are low-carb and high in protein. It lies with the additions made to the eggs to make them “deviled.”
According to SF Gate, the mayonnaise adds three milligrams of cholesterol to the egg. You also get 120 milligrams of sodium from deviled eggs. Though these appetizers would be suitable if you’re trying the “keto” diet, the sodium content makes them a snack you should not indulge in every day, lest you want to have too-high a salt intake.
180. Non-Organic Kale
Manufacturer: Growers in the U.S. and China, among others
Est. Price: $2.88 per pound*
There are a lot of reasons to buy organic, and one of the main ones is that you can avoid nasty pesticides on your food. On organic kale, for example, there is 30% less residue of pesticides than on regular kale. Sure, you still have to wash the kale thoroughly, but there is less chance of ingesting these toxic chemicals.
On the “Dirty Dozen” list from the Environmental Working Group, regular, non-organic kale was third because of high pesticide levels. Though organic kale is more costly, the chemical-avoiding benefits make the extra dollar or two worth it.
181. Vegan Deli Meat
Manufacturer: Tofurky, Unreal, Lightlife, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$6*
In general, deli meat, whether vegan or not, is not exactly a healthy food. Vegan deli meat follows in the same tradition as its opposite in that respect. Though it doesn’t have any real meat, vegan deli products are still high in sodium. In some cases, they are high in sugar as well. Men’s Health described vegan deli meat as “shockingly unhealthy.”
The excess salt, calories, and sugar make this option one you might want to skip over, lest you can find vegan deli meat that has 400 milligrams of sodium or less. The lesson here is that just because meat is plant-based does not mean you shouldn’t read the back of the label.
182. Beet Chips
Manufacturer: Rhythm Superfoods, Heaven & Earth, Terrasoul, and more
Est. Price: $4-$8*
Beets have a lot of nutrients, including vitamin C, folates, and fiber. They are low-calorie (comparatively), and they have been proven to have a neutral impact on blood pressure. Though beets are healthy, beet chips do not always follow their predecessor’s pattern, especially if they have been fried.
Make sure that you purchase beet chips that have been baked, not fried. Sure, frying them in fatty vegetable oil will make them taste close to a regular Lay’s chip, but that will strip their healthy qualities from them. Choose organic, baked beet chips if you’re going to eat this snack.
183. Dried Apricots
Manufacturer: Sun-Maid, Great Value, Made In Nature, Trader Joe’s, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$8*
Dried fruit is often seen as a healthy snack that is easier to take with you than regular fruit. After all, it is dried, so you don’t have to worry about it spoiling. Dried apricots are a popular snack, but be wary of eating too many of them. Just one cup of dried apricot halves has sixty-nine grams of sugar.
That’s more than a can of regular Coca-Cola! Though this cup of dried apricot halves has nine grams of fiber, that’s not necessarily enough to offset the massive sugar content. Eat dried fruit, including apricots, sparingly, as it’s easy to over-ingest sugar under the guise of a healthy snack.
184. Lemonade
Manufacturer: Simply, Turkey Hill, Minute Maid, Turner’s, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5*
Lemonade is a popular drink all year-round, but it hits its peak in the summer. After all, there’s nothing better than a cold glass of this sweet-and-sour drink after you’ve been out in the heat. Lemonade fans might be surprised to know that just one cup of this drink contains twenty-five grams of sugar.
The drink is made from lemon juice, water, and a hefty helping of simple syrup or cane sugar. It’s this sweetener that causes lemonade’s sugar content to go through the roof. Though it might be tempting to drink lemonade like water, people watching their sugar intake should avoid doing so.
185. Tonic Water
Manufacturer: Schweppes, Great Value, Canada Dry, etc.
Est. Price: $1-$3*
Believe it or not, tonic water was once used as a way to prevent malaria because its original recipe had a lot of quinine. Now, the drink has far less quinine, though it is a popular addition to classic alcoholic beverages like a G&T. People drink this water for its bitter flavor, but nowadays, sweeteners are often added.
Be careful of sweetened tonic water, as one bottle (12 fluid ounces) can contain as much as thirty-two grams of sugar and forty-four grams of sodium. Drinking sugar is an easy way to spike your insulin without eating a donut or piece of cake.
186. Beef Jerky
Manufacturer: Jack Link’s, Old Trapper, People’s Choice, Tillamook, and more
Est. Price: $4-$10*
Sure, beef jerky is a low-carb snack. But, that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for you. While it won’t kill you to reach for a stick or two every once in a while, you probably won’t want to make jerky part of your everyday diet. This meat is highly-processed and packed full of sodium.
It has the same health risks (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.) that you find with other processed meats. One twenty-gram piece of beef jerky has 416 milligrams of sodium. If you eat five pieces, you’ve already consumed your daily value of sodium in one sitting.
187. Non-Organic Bell Peppers
Manufacturer: Growers in Asia, China, Mexico, Indonesia, and other countries
Est. Price: $2.32 per pound*
The Environmental Watch Group has been listing the most pesticide-filled fruits and vegetables for years, and bell peppers are a common addition to the “Dirty Dozen” list. Non-organic bell peppers had 115 different pesticides on them, according to a test the E.W.G. conducted.
Nearly 70% of non-organic products in America contain residues from these toxic chemicals, and over 90% of samples the E.W.G. tested (apples, leafy greens, strawberries, peppers, etc.) were positive for at least two different types of pesticides. Bell peppers had some of the highest pesticide contents of any of the vegetables the E.W.G. tested. When it comes to these veggies, you’ll want to buy organic.
188. Ketchup
Manufacturer: Heinz, Hunt’s, Del Monte, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$4*
Ketchup is a common, low-calorie condiment that goes great on everything from French fries to hot dogs. Pretty much everyone in America uses ketchup, and, according to the Simmons National Consumer Survey, over 308 million Americans used ketchup in 2020. Heinz is the top ketchup brand, selling 650 million bottles a year.
There are some downsides to ketchup, even though it has no fat and only fifteen calories per serving. It is high in sugar, with one tablespoon containing 7% (if not more) of your R.D.V. of sugar. If you’re a ketchup lover, it can be easy to consume more than one-third of your sugar recommendation in one meal alone.
189. Coffee Creamer
Manufacturer: Coffee-Mate, International Delight, Chobani, and more
Est. Price: $4-$8*
In 2018, Coffee-Mate, a popular coffee creamer brand, was the defendant in a lawsuit that alleged that the trans fats in their products caused a variety of health consequences. The consequences listed in this class-action lawsuit included cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, memory damage, and cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
So, what is in Coffee-Mat and other creamers? According to Byrdie, there are often saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, and high amounts of sugar. If you use these creamers every single day in your coffee, especially if you drink multiple cups, that can wreak havoc on your arteries as the ingredients build up in your body.
190. Baked Beans
Manufacturer: Bush’s, Heinz, Van Camp’s, Amy’s Organic, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$4*
Baked beans do have some health benefits, as they are high in fiber, protein, and plant compounds, and similar nutrients. Though canned baked beans are very convenient, as all you have to do is heat them up, they are often high in additives, salt, added sugar, and even BPA contaminants from the can.
In a sixteen-ounce can of Bush’s Baked Beans, there are 2,030 milligrams of sodium and forty-two grams of sugar (almost all of which are added, not natural). According to Healthline, your healthiest option for baked beans is to take the time to make them from scratch.
191. Tofu Cream Cheese
Manufacturer: Tofutti, Miyoko’s, Russ & Daughters, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$8*
Tofu cream cheese is a popular vegan option for people who love the taste of cream cheese but don’t want to consume animal products, whether for health or ethical reasons. Generally, tofu cream cheese, in addition to tofu, has coconut oil and flavorings to give it a taste similar to that of the real thing.
Tofu, like many other foods, has some downsides. Healthline says that it has “weak hormonal effects,” so some doctors tell women with estrogen-related breast tumors to keep their soy intake to a medium. Good Housekeeping agreed, saying that tofu and, therefore, tofu cream cheese and related products, can be an “endocrine disruptor” if consumed in high amounts.
192. Frozen Pizza
Manufacturer: Red Baron, Digiorno, Tony’s, Tombstone, Freschetta
Est. Price: $6-$11*
For some reason, there is a common misconception that a frozen pizza is not as bad for you as one that you get from an actual restaurant. Frozen pizza, though more convenient and usually cheaper, is not healthy at all. It is chock-full of salt, calories, fat, and refined carbohydrates.
There are some frozen pizza options that aren’t that bad, as they contain thin crust and vegetables instead of refined, thick, grainy crust and processed meat. Still, you don’t want to make frozen pizza a frequent meal at your house, as it is just empty carbs.
193. Sweet Potato Fries
Manufacturer: Alexia, Ore-Ida, Spudsy, Strong Roots, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$10*
According to Healthline, there really isn’t any benefit to choosing sweet potato fries over regular French fries. After all, they’re both fried. The two potatoes have similar nutrient profiles and, when you deep-fry them, they’re equally-unhealthy. The misconception that sweet potato fries are a healthy side dish is just not true.
Not to mention, most restaurants serve fries, sweet potato or otherwise, in massively over-sized portions. And those of us who are French-fry fans know that it’s hard to not gobble all of them up (moderation and French fries don’t even belong in the same sentence). Fried foods are the worst of the worst, as they have been directly linked to heart problems, digestive ailments, weight gain, and a host of other maladies.
194. Vegan Bacon
Manufacturer: Sweet Earth, All Vegetarian, Upton’s Naturals, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$15*
If you ask vegans, they’ll tell you that vegan bacon is healthy for you. If you ask neutral parties, they might not be so quick to agree with that statement. Though regular processed meat has long been a villain to nutritionists, vegan bacon isn’t necessarily a healthy alternative.
Though Good Housekeeping notes that there is often less sodium than vegan bacon’s meaty counterpart, you’re still “likely” to eat the same amount of calories and fat as you would regular bacon. And, though there is less sodium, meat-free bacon can still contain over a third of your daily value of salt. If you’re going to eat vegan bacon, find lower-sodium versions and still eat them in moderation.
195. Protein Powder
Manufacturer: Optimum, Orgain, Dymatize, Body Fortress, Elevation, and more
Est. Price: $10-$20*
Harvard Health noted that there are a lot of “hidden dangers” when it comes to protein powders. We all know that these powders can be loaded with sugar and sodium. Additionally, over-consuming protein powder can lead to digestive side effects like bloating, gas, and stomach upset, particularly if you’re sensitive to lactose or lactose intolerant.
Also, some even contain harmful ingredients like heavy metals. Harvard Health’s researchers conducted tests on 134 different protein powders, screening them for 130 kinds of toxins. The results were concerning. H.H. found that “many” of the powders contained metals like mercury, cadmium, lead, and even arsenic.
196. Cashew Butter
Manufacturer: Good & Gather, Sam’s Choice, Artisana, Once Again, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$9*
Cashew butter has emerged in recent years as a popular alternative to peanut and almond butter. Though cashew butter has protein and not a lot of sugar, it has 1.6 grams of saturated fat in each tablespoon. That’s around eight percent of your R.D.V. If you make a sandwich with it, you could easily consume half your daily value of saturated fat.
The American Heart Association recommends that consumers limit their saturated fat intake. This dietary fat is considered unhealthy, often solidifying at room temperature. Butter, coconut oil, cheese, red meat, and similar foods are often high in this heart-unhealthy fat.
197. Light Salad Dressing
Manufacturer: Hidden Valley, Primal Kitchen, Olive Garden, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6*
“Light” salad dressing is usually labeled as such because it is fat-free. According to Fooducate, choosing this salad dressing is actually a poor “nutritional decision,” especially if you’re going to be using this dressing on a salad. Many of the vitamins found in salads are fat-soluble, which means fat will help your body absorb the salad’s nutritional goodness.
If you’re looking for a healthy salad dressing that isn’t light, stay away from ranch and blue cheese. Instead, choose dressings like sesame ginger, avocado lime, balsamic vinaigrette, ginger turmeric, or Greek yogurt ranch (a far healthier alternative to regular ranch).
198. Parfait
Manufacturer: Starbucks, Stonyfield, YoCrunch, Marketside, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$8*
Yogurt parfaits often trick people into thinking they’re healthy because they have yogurt, fruit, and granola in them. Don’t be fooled, as these treats can have as much sugar as ice cream. For example, the yogurt parfait from Starbucks has thirty-one grams of sugar, which make up over half of the treat’s carbohydrate value.
Yogurt parfaits contain sugars that enhance flavor, but they don’t need to have them. You can make your own parfaits with Greek yogurt, fruit, peanut butter, and oats. You can even add a tiny bit of honey for sweetness. This homemade option is far healthier than any premade parfait you buy at the store.
199. Couscous
Manufacturer: Baron’s, Bob’s Red Mill, Near East, RiceSelect, and more
Est. Price: $5-$8*
When compared to rice, couscous, a light grain, comes out on top. But, brown rice wins the contest as far as fiber goes, as it has 3.5 grams per cup to couscous’ two. Couscous might not be the best choice for people trying to follow a low-carb diet.
It also isn’t a great option for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and blood sugar issues. Healthline reports that, in comparison to brown rice, couscous has “fewer essential nutrients.” Though it is low-calorie and high in protein, it’s not quite so simple to label this popular grain as a health food.
200. Pistachio Milk
Manufacturer: Tache, Elmhurst
Est. Price: $5-$8*
There are a lot of different milks out there that serve as viable alternatives to dairy. If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the past few years, it’s that any nut can be made into a milk. Pistachio milk does exist, and it has a lot of heart-healthy fats, phytosterols, antioxidants, and potassium.
So, what are the downsides? When you compare them to other milks, pistachio doesn’t always stack up. Oat milk, for example, has more calories, fiber, and carbs. Pistachio milk also has less protein than other nut milks. When compared to cow’s milk, pistachio milk falls far short in its calcium content.
201. Coconut Yogurt
Manufacturer: SO, Cocoyo, Chobani, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$8*
Coconut yogurt is a popular alternative to dairy yogurt but, like many of the foods on this list, the yogurt’s dairy-free label doesn’t necessarily mean it’s perfect. Coconut yogurt has less protein than dairy yogurt, and it has far more fat and saturated fat than it as well. Not exactly amazing news.
As with all yogurts, you should be wary of the sugar content as well. Sugar is, technically, vegan, so brands can put as much as they want of it into coconut yogurt without having to label it a dairy product. A high-sugar coconut yogurt might be vegan, but that doesn’t make it healthy.
202. Yellow Mustard
Manufacturer: French’s
Est. Price: $2-$4*
Mustard, like ketchup, is a common condiment that can be found on everything from vegetables to cheeseburgers. Some cultures use mustard oil in a lot of their foods. In America, yellow mustard is one of the most common types of this tangy condiment. French’s Yellow Mustard is easily the most popular brand.
In one teaspoon of French’s, there is 57 milligrams of sodium, which is two percent of your daily value. Yellow mustard also isn’t very nutritious, as it lacks pretty much every major vitamin. If you’re looking for a nutrient-dense condiment, yellow mustard isn’t it.
203. Dried Figs
Manufacturer: Sun-Maid, Made in Nature, Sunny Fruit, Fruit Bliss, and more
Est. Price: $4-$20*
Figs are edible fruits that come from Ficus carica, a small tree that is common in the Mediterranean and western Asia. Figs have been cultivated for thousands of years, and they are still eaten daily in many countries around the world.
According to Net Meds, eating dried figs should involve some amount of “moderation,” as these fruits are “high in calories.” You should keep portion sizes to more than two to three figs a day. People looking to gain weight often eat figs, but, if you don’t count yourself in that category, eat dried figs with a bit of caution.
204. Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Manufacturer: Morningstar, SIMULATE, Gardein, Quorn, and more
Est. Price: $4-$6*
Vegan chicken nuggets are generally made with seitan, a dough that is made from wheat gluten. When seitan is cooked, it closely resembles the texture and taste of meat. Seitan is easy to make homemade, but a lot of people choose to buy vegan chicken nuggets and other products made from this gluten-rich ingredient at health food stores and supermarkets.
Be wary of vegan chicken nuggets, particularly as many brands contain a lot of sodium. For example, MorningStar Farms Chik’N Nuggets are meat-free, yet they contain three-hundred milligrams of sodium in just four nuggets. If you consume the entire bag, you’ll be eating over a thousand milligrams of sodium.
205. Peppermint
Manufacturer: Altoids, Lipton, Hershey, and more
Est. Price: $3-$5*
Having a minty treat is fun every once in a while unless you have acid reflux. If you love peppermint and have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), then you know that you have to skip this food, whether in candy or herbal form. Peppermint relaxes the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus.
This can cause heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux. Peppermint can make reflux symptoms worse in people with Hiatal hernias. So, if you have acid reflux, skip the after-dinner peppermint candy or cup of peppermint tea. Otherwise, you might be in for some very unwelcome esophageal pain.
206. Kidney Meat
Manufacturer: Local butchers
Est. Price: $6 per pound*
Organ meats, such as kidney, have their risks and benefits. Kidney is a common dish for people who eat organ meat, and it does have its highlights. It is rich in protein, nutrients, and healthy fatty acids. But, if you have gout, you’ll want to stay well away from kidney meats, as well as a host of other foods.
Gout is a painful disease where the body overproduces uric acid. Gout attacks can be debilitating. Kidney meat has high levels of purine, which can contribute to raised levels of uric acid, the worst possible thing for someone who suffers from gout.
207. Grain Alcohol
Manufacturer: Everclear and more
Est. Price: $20 per 750ml bottle*
No human being should be drinking grain alcohol in the first place, but, in case you didn’t get the memo, we’re going to reiterate it for you. Grain alcohol has an extremely high alcohol content, and consuming more than a tiny amount from brands like Everclear can lead to rapid, deadly intoxication.
You can even contract brain damage, as this beverage depresses your central nervous system. Basically, grain alcohol gets you intoxicated very quickly, and you can risk death and severe injury from consuming it. Stick to something safer and more mainstream, if you’re going to drink.
208. Deer Meat
Manufacturer: Local butchers
Est. Price: $1-$2 per pound*
Deer meat is lean and heart-healthy, as it is high in protein and has zinc, iron, vitamins, and more. Deer meat is popular in rural areas in America, and there are people who swear that good deer meat is better than anything but a filet mignon steak.
Be very careful when preparing deer meat. According to Karen McKeown, a State Health Officer, deer meat can contain bacteria and parasites that will make you very sick if the meat is not cooked properly. Even an animal that seems healthy can carry sickness-inducing germs. According to UMN, you should cook meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
209. Yeast
Manufacturer: Red Star, Fleischmann’s, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$7*
Gout sufferers have to follow a diet that is low in purine, and that means cutting out yeast. Certain types of yeast extracts and yeast have a high purine content that can lead to raised levels of uric acid. This uric acid, in turn, can lead to a painful gout attack.
According to Health Central, gout sufferers should avoid dietary supplements that have yeast or yeast extract. This is why people with gout are often cautioned against drinking beer, as it contains alcohol and brewer’s yeast. The latter is high in purine, while the former inhibits your ability to excrete uric acid from your body.
210. Raw Onions
Manufacturer: Sysco, Green Giant, HelloFresh, and more
Est. Price: $1.24 per pound*
According to Vanguard Gastroenterology, those who have acid reflux should cut out raw onions from their diet. There is a “clear link” between these tangy vegetables and GERD. Onions, whether raw or cooked, stimulate gastric acid because they prolong the amount of time that your food sits in the stomach.
This exacerbates both heartburn and gas. Though some websites say that cooking onions can help reduce their acid content, if you have a legitimate reason to avoid them (such as GERD and similar diseases), you will have to remove these completely from your diet, lest you get a nasty bout of heartburn.
211. Wild Game
Manufacturer: Local butchers
Est. Price: $1-$5 per pound*
Wild game meat tends to be lower in saturated fat than red meat, and it is also leaner because the animals, such as antelope and elk, are more active and have a natural diet. It is important to cook game meat thoroughly, lest you wide up ingesting bacteria that could lead to an emergency room visit.
Additionally, you should never eat wild game organs. They have high levels of metals and chemicals, far higher than in the meat itself. The liver and kidneys filter these metals and chemicals from the blood, and if you eat these organs, you’ll end up ingesting pure toxins.
212. French Toast
Manufacturer: Restaurants, Eggo, Murry’s, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$10*
French toast is a common breakfast that people all around the world love. It is sweet and delicious, and it’s easy to find yourself enjoying more than just one or two slices. Unfortunately, this breakfast should be eaten in moderation, not every day.
Because of the milk and eggs with which it is made, French toast is often very high in saturated fat. Additionally, powdered sugar, syrup, and other sweet toppings often make French toast jam-packed with sugar. Though this sugary breakfast will give you a boost of energy, you’ll be tired and hungry a few hours later when your insulin levels plummet.
213. Russet Potatoes
Manufacturer: Arrowhead, Driscoll, High Country, and more
Est. Price: $1-$2 per pound*
Russet potatoes are easy to spot, as they are larger and more oblong than white potatoes. They have brown skin, and the flesh is a beige-white. Russets are often used for rustic dishes, such as skin-on fries. Though Russet potatoes have a high fiber and iron content, they are not necessarily the healthiest side dish you can have.
Potatoes didn’t make the “Healthy Eating Plate” from Harvard because they are a carb that your body digests rapidly. This causes your blood sugar to surge and drop. In scientific terms, Russet potatoes have a high glycemic index. Eat them in moderation, and pay attention to your portion sizes.
214. Liver Meat
Manufacturer: Local butchers
Est. Price: $1 per pound*
Liver, including liver and onions and chopped liver, is a popular dish for people who like organ meats. If you have gout or another disease that requires you to avoid purines, this meat is a must-not-eat. However, this isn’t the only reason you should be wary of liver.
According to WebMD, it is possible to eat too much and poison yourself. Eating a lot of liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, as your own liver is unable to process the food’s vitamin A quickly enough. If you eat a lot of liver regularly, you run the risk of contracting hypervitaminosis A.
215. Garlic
Manufacturer: China, India, America
Est. Price: $2 per pound*
Garlic isn’t for everyone. While it has a lot of nutritional benefits, there are people who are sensitive to it. If you eat too much, you can run the risk of acid reflux and other digestive issues. In serious cases, there is even a risk of bleeding if you overdo it on the garlic (but you’d have to eat a massive quantity for that severe a symptom).
Really, the most common side effect for some people is gastrointestinal discomfort. Bloating, diarrhea and stomach pain can happen if you eat more garlic than usual or if you eat raw, uncooked garlic.
216. Oatmeal Cookies
Manufacturer: Little Debbie, Grandma’s, Archway, Pepperidge Farms, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6*
Yes, oatmeal is healthy. It has a lot of fiber and, when unsweetened, it packs a nutritional punch. However, just because oatmeal cookies have the word “oatmeal” in them does not make them nutritious. After all, a cookie is still a cookie. Enjoying one on occasion is okay, but try not to eat them daily.
According to Livestrong, an oatmeal cookie, when prepared commercially, has ten grams of sugar. You can easily consume far over your recommended daily value of sugar just by eating three oatmeal cookies. Though comparatively better than chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies still aren’t healthy.
217. Raw Lemon
Manufacturer: U.S., Mexico, Argentina, European Union
Est. Price: $1.99 per pound*
Lemon juice has a long history in both Eastern and Western medicine. Over time, it has been used to treat gastrointestinal and digestive issues, though there is not much scientific evidence to suggest that these treatments actually work.
Lemon juice and raw lemons are often avoided by those who have acid reflux. There are some who counter that, saying that a small amount can neutralize the acid in your stomach, but much conventional medical science cautions against ingesting this acidic citrus fruit. Lemon juice that is concentrated should especially be avoided, as that can aggravate GERD and other diseases.
218. Powdered Sugar
Manufacturer: Wholesome Organic, Domino’s, Good & Gather, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5*
There is a common misconception about powdered sugar, and some people believe that it is a sugar alternative that is dietarily better for you than regular sugar. Sure, powdered sugar has a lighter consistency, but that doesn’t actually make it lighter for you.
Powdered sugar is sugar. You’ll want to treat it just like regular sugar when considering the impact that it has on your diet. The only difference between powdered and regular sugar is not in nutritional content; it’s in the texture. Powdered sugar has been pulverized until it is a fluffy white powder, but it started off as granulated white sugar.
219. Kosher Salt
Manufacturer: Morton, Diamond, Haddar, and more
Est. Price: $3-$7*
If you like to cook, chances are that you have run into a recipe recommending that you use kosher salt. This type of salt is made from sodium chloride, nothing else. There are no trace minerals, anti-caking or anti-clumping agents, or iodine.
Kosher salt has a crystal size that makes it ideal for excessing moisture from meat. This makes it a good option for cooking, curing, and brining meat. That said, in terms of its nutritional value, it isn’t healthier than other kinds of salt, so you should still not overdo it when utilizing it in recipes.
220. Too Much Water
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: N/A
While drinking water is very important for your health, you should not drink too much of this life-sustaining substance. A one-time consumption of three liters at once can be deadly to a person. Water intoxication is a strange but true medical condition that can prove fatal, though there are fewer than 200,000 American cases per year.
Drinking too much water decreases the sodium levels in your blood to dangerously low levels. Symptoms of water intoxication include nausea, vomiting, and confusion, and severe cases can lead to coma, seizures, and even death. Usually, this intoxication happens when someone drinks a lot of water all at once.
221. Ginger Ale
Manufacturer: Canada Dry, Schweppes, Fever-Tree, etc.
Est. Price: $1-$3*
Ginger Ale is a carbonated soft drink that is popular around the world. If you’ve ever been sick, your parents have probably bought you some ginger ale and told you to drink it. Companies like Canada Dry, Fever-Tree, and Schweppes have made a fortune from this drink.
While ginger ale is considered a must-have soda for sick days, you don’t want to drink it too regularly, as it contains a lot of sugar. One twelve-ounce can or bottle contains thirty grams of sugar, which is a huge insulin spike from just one small beverage.
222. Haggis
Manufacturer: Scotland
Est. Price: $18 per pound*
Haggis is the national dish of Scotland. It is a pudding that consists of sheep’s pluck, onion, suet, oatmeal, spices, salt, and stock. It is cooked in the animal’s stomach, though, more often than not, an artificial casing is used instead. It is illegal to import haggis from Scotland to the U.S. because of a 1971 ban on food containing sheep’s lungs.
In 100 grams of haggis, you’ll find 191 milligrams of cholesterol and 191 milligrams of sodium. You’ll also find twenty-three grams of fat, according to Nutritionix. The dish, therefore, is pretty heavy and not exactly a light, healthy option.
223. Cassava
Manufacturer: South America, Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia
Est. Price: $5-$10*
Cassava is a starchy, nutty-flavored root vegetable. It is native in South America, as well as Nigeria, Thailand, and Indonesia, three of the world’s major cassava-producing countries. For people around the world, cassava is a huge source of carbs and calories.
In 2019, the CDC announced that there had been an outbreak of cyanide poisoning due to ill-prepared cassava. The edible root has cyanogenic glycosides. If not properly detoxified, cassava can cause cyanide poisoning. Though rare, it is a reason to be wary of this dish. Make sure you can feel confident that the cassava has been soaked, dried, and scraped before consumption.
224. Tapioca
Manufacturer: Bob’s Red Mill, Boba Green, E-Fa Black Pearls, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$15*
According to Insider, boba tea might actually be “really bad” for people. Boba tea contains tapioca beads. Though these beads have no cholesterol or fat, they don’t have much of anything else besides sugar. Bubble tea can have as many as 500 calories and 50 grams of sugar.
Tapioca pudding, another popular dish, is the same. This dish is often high in sugar and carbohydrates, with little else to show for it nutritionally. Think twice before ordering boba tea, tapioca pudding, or something else made with these pearls before you check the sugar content.
225. Sashimi
Manufacturer: Henry and Lisas, restaurants, etc.
Est. Price: $10-$25*
Sashimi is one of the most famous dishes to come from Japan, and it is a dish associated with the country. Sashimi is raw, thinly-sliced fish that is usually eaten with soy sauce. Usually, the fish is served without rice, which makes it different from sushi. Common types of sashimi include clams, octopus, scallops, shrimp, mackerel, and yellowtail.
According to Very Well Health, it is possible to get a disease from consuming raw fish. Salmonella, listeriosis, anisakiasis, and other ailments that come from eating raw food are hidden dangers. These infections can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
226. Tuna Tartare
Manufacturer: Restaurants
Est. Price: $15-$30 per dish*
Tuna tartare is a dish that consists of raw, cubed tuna that has been flavored. Usually, this is prepared with beef or another type of fish. Tuna tartare in sesame sauce (or a variation of that) is a common sight in seafood restaurants.
But, is it safe? Raw tuna is safe when it has been frozen to eliminate parasites and properly handled. If the tuna is sushi-grade, it has a low likelihood of causing illness. Additionally, there are high mercury levels in some species of tuna, so it’s best to eat this dish in moderation, just in case.
227. Sunflower Oil
Manufacturer: La Tourangelle, Ellyndale, Spectrum, Baja Precious, etc.
Est. Price: $6-$8*
Sunflower oil is another cooking oil that has become popular as people look for a way to distance themselves from vegetable oils that are known to cause heart problems. Sunflower oil is low in saturated fat, and it is commonly used to fry food. In cosmetics, it is used as an emollient.
Sunflower oil that does not have high oleic acid can contain omega-6, which may be harmful to those with arthritis symptoms. In addition to aggravating arthritis, sunflower oil emits high levels of aldehyde fumes if you expose it to high heat over time. Aldehyde fumes, in high quantities, can be toxic.
228. Spaghetti
Manufacturer: Prego, Barilla, Ragu, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$10 to make*
Spaghetti is a classic dish. Everyone has had it at least once, and there are households out there who make this convenient dinner every week. You can get creative with spaghetti, and there are ways to make it healthier. You can use low-sugar pasta sauce, whole-wheat spaghetti, and lean turkey meat instead of the traditional recipe.
If you’re looking to watch your carbohydrate intake, spaghetti probably isn’t the best choice. Pasta is high in carbs, and white pasta can spike your insulin. Additionally, certain spaghetti sauce brands have a lot of sugar. For example, Prego Traditional Sauce has ten grams of sugar in it.
229. Cauliflower
Manufacturer: America, China, etc.
Est. Price: $1-$2.50 per head*
Cauliflower is another vegetable that just isn’t for everyone. Like garlic, it is nutritious, but, for some people, it can lead to digestive issues. According to Food Network, too much of this vegetable can cause bloating, gas, and gastrointestinal distress, especially if it is eaten raw.
Cooking the cauliflower can help with these problems, as can drinking water to help it move through your system. Though cauliflower has health benefits, it has a lot of bulk fiber. If your body isn’t used to that high amount of fiber, the results can be quite unpleasant for your stomach.
230. Avocado Toast
Manufacturer: Restaurants, etc.
Est. Price: $6-$7*
Delish listed five reasons that you’ll want to avoid avocado toast as a go-to breakfast staple. First of all, avocados, as a fruit, do not have a lot of protein, something that is very important in the morning. Protein keeps you feeling full longer, giving you a burst of energy. Avocado toast is just carbs and fat, which won’t keep you satiated.
Also, the bread used in this toast might not be whole grain. A slice of white bread is full of additives and processed flour. Eating too much of it, according to Medical News Today, can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
231. Black Pepper
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2+*
Black pepper can be a delicious addition to many dishes, adding a certain level of subtle spiciness that foodies love. While it has some benefits and is not harmful in small doses, it can pose a risk if a higher level is consumed.
According to Dr. Phil Mafftone, “Sufficient amounts of black pepper can increase free-radical production. It is this oxidative effect that may trigger intestinal irritation. Higher doses of black pepper may be comparable to the harmful gut effects of a single dose of aspirin, which causes mild intestinal bleeding.”
232. Porridge
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2-$5*
Porridge is a staple breakfast food that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is made by boiling grains, such as oats, in milk or water and is usually served hot with various toppings like sugar, fruit, or nuts. Although porridge is considered to be a healthy and filling breakfast option, it may not be the best choice for everyone, especially as they get older.
One of the reasons why porridge is not all that good for you is that it’s often high in carbohydrates, which can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. These spikes can lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, porridge is also often high in sodium, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease in older individuals.
233. Lebanese Rice
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3-$8*
Lebanese rice is an essential in every Middle Eastern home. It is often used in dishes like biryani, tabbouleh, and kibbeh and is a popular choice for those who are looking for a versatile and flavorful ingredient.
This dish is typically cooked with high amounts of oil and butter, which can add significant amounts of unhealthy fats to the dish. Consuming high amounts of refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
234. Litchi Juice
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $5*
Litchi juice is a popular fruit drink made from the sweet, juicy fruit of the lychee tree. While it may taste delicious, drinking litchi juice regularly can have a negative impact on your health and diet.
The high acidity of litchi juice can irritate the stomach lining and lead to acid reflux, heartburn, and other digestive problems. Litchi juice is also low in essential vitamins and minerals, making it an inadequate source of nutrition. Instead, it is recommended to opt for healthier beverage options, such as water, green tea, or 100% fruit juice, to hydrate and provide essential nutrients.
235. Honeycomb Tripe
Manufacturer: H-E-B, KK Meat Co., Butcher Shops, and more
Est. Price: $7 per pound*
Honeycomb tripe has a far prettier name than what it actually is, which is organ meat that is sourced from the second stomach chamber of a cow. The “Honeycomb” in the name alludes to the unique pattern of the meat.
While it may seem strange to some, others find this tender, flavorful meat to be delicious. If you find yourself in the latter camp, be careful how much honeycomb tripe you eat. Compared to other meats, tripe is very high in dietary cholesterol, containing over 100 milligrams per serving.
236. Pork Chops
Manufacturer: Smithfield, Great Value, and more
Est. Price: $5.04 per pound*
Pork chops are delicious, but are they actually good for you? According to The Food Network, it depends on the cut of meat. Fatty cuts are high in saturated fat, which can clog your arteries over time.
Though pork chops are loaded with iron and zinc, the seasoning can add excess sodium that cancels out these benefits. When making pork chops, keep salty seasonings to a minimum and stick to lean cuts of well-cooked meat.
237. Spam
Manufacturer: Hormel Foods
Est. Price: $3.58*
Spam is bad for you, mainly because it is processed meat, and, as most people know, processed meat is associated with a higher risk of COPD, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer.
