We all like to think we’re making good choices when we reach for foods widely considered to be “healthy,” but not everything that sounds nutritious actually is.
Whether it’s sneaky added sugars or grossly misleading marketing, some so-called “healthy” foods might not be doing your body as many favours as you think. In fact, some could be just as processed or sugar-laden as the foods you’re trying to avoid. Here are 13 “healthy” foods that aren’t all that great for you after all.
1. Granola
Granola has long been seen as a health food, packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit. But a quick glance at the nutrition label often reveals a shocking amount of added sugar and oil, turning what seems like a nutritious choice into a hidden calorie bomb. Some brands pack as much sugar into a single serving as a chocolate bar. If you’re eating granola thinking it’s the healthiest breakfast option, you might want to check the ingredients list. A better choice? Make your own at home, or opt for plain oats with a handful of nuts and seeds.
2. Flavoured yoghurt
Yoghurt itself is packed with probiotics and protein, making it a solid choice for gut health. But once you start picking up flavoured versions, things take a turn. Many contain more sugar than a dessert, with some fruit yoghurts containing up to five teaspoons per pot. Even those that claim to be “low-fat” or “natural” often add artificial sweeteners to compensate for the flavour lost when fat is removed. If you want yoghurt to be truly healthy, go for plain Greek yoghurt and add your own fresh fruit or honey in moderation.
3. Fruit juice
Drinking fruit juice might seem like a great way to get your daily vitamins, but it’s not as healthy as it sounds. Many fruit juices remove all the beneficial fibre found in whole fruit, leaving behind just the natural sugars. This means your body processes it more like a fizzy drink than a piece of fruit. Even worse, some “healthy” juices have added sugar on top of what’s already in the fruit. If you love juice, try diluting it with water or switching to whole fruit instead, which provides fibre and keeps you full for longer.
4. Protein bars
Protein bars are marketed as a great post-gym snack or a meal replacement for busy days, but a lot of them are glorified chocolate bars in disguise. Many are packed with sugar, artificial flavourings, and processed ingredients that make them more of a sweet treat than a health food. Some contain as much sugar as a doughnut, meaning you’re better off getting your protein from whole foods like eggs, nuts, or plain Greek yoghurt. If you do go for a protein bar, check the label and opt for one with minimal added sugar and a short ingredient list.
5. Smoothies
Homemade smoothies can be nutritious, but many shop-bought versions are loaded with sugar and lack protein or fibre, making them more of a sugar rush than a balanced meal. Even when they’re made with natural fruit, the high concentration of sugars can cause blood sugar spikes. Some smoothies contain as much sugar as a can of cola, especially when sweetened yoghurts or fruit juices are added. To make a healthier smoothie, focus on whole ingredients like leafy greens, unsweetened almond milk, and protein sources like nut butter or chia seeds.
6. Veggie crisps
Just because something has “veggie” in the name doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Many veggie crisps are deep-fried just like regular crisps, meaning they contain just as much fat, salt, and calories — sometimes even more. Some brands are also mostly made from potato starch rather than actual vegetables, meaning they don’t offer much more nutrition than a standard bag of crisps. If you want a crunchy snack, try roasted chickpeas or homemade kale chips instead.
7. Gluten-free snacks
Unless you have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, switching to gluten-free foods doesn’t automatically make your diet healthier. Many gluten-free products are actually more processed than their regular counterparts, containing extra sugar, fat, and additives to make up for the missing texture of gluten. Gluten-free biscuits, cakes, and bread often have a higher calorie count than standard versions, so unless you need to avoid gluten, you’re often better off sticking with whole, unprocessed foods rather than assuming gluten-free is always better.
8. Low-fat or fat-free products
For years, “low-fat” was marketed as the healthier choice, but in reality, fat-free foods are often worse for you. When manufacturers remove fat, they tend to replace it with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or thickeners to keep the flavour. Fat is essential for absorbing vitamins and keeping you full, so avoiding it completely can actually leave you hungrier. Instead of reaching for low-fat alternatives, go for full-fat versions in moderation — your body will thank you.
9. Coconut oil
Coconut oil became the go-to “superfood” for everything from cooking to skincare, but it’s not as saintly as it sounds. While it does contain healthy fats, it’s also extremely high in saturated fat — higher than butter, in fact. Some studies suggest that too much coconut oil can raise cholesterol levels, making it less of a miracle health food than it’s often claimed to be. While it’s fine in moderation, olive oil or avocado oil are often better choices for daily cooking.
10. Agave syrup
Agave syrup is often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, but the truth is, it’s still sugar, just in a different form. In fact, agave syrup contains more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup, which is known for contributing to obesity and metabolic issues. It may have a lower glycaemic index than regular sugar, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you in large amounts. If you need a natural sweetener, raw honey or maple syrup (in moderation) are better options.
11. Supermarket salad dressings
A salad seems like a great healthy choice… until you drown it in a store-bought dressing. Many pre-made dressings are packed with sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy oils, turning your healthy meal into a calorie-heavy dish without you realising. Even “light” dressings often contain extra sugar to make up for the missing fat. If you want to keep your salad healthy, opt for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or a homemade dressing using natural ingredients.
12. Wholewheat bread
Wholewheat bread sounds like the healthiest option compared to white bread, but many brands still contain refined flour, added sugars, and preservatives. Some even contain more sugar than you’d expect, making them not much better than white bread. If you want truly healthy bread, look for whole grain varieties with minimal ingredients, or try sourdough, which has a lower glycaemic impact and is easier to digest.
13. Sports drinks
Sports drinks are great if you’ve just run a marathon or spent hours at the gym—but for most people, they’re unnecessary. Many contain as much sugar as fizzy drinks, along with artificial colours and preservatives. Unless you’re doing prolonged, intense exercise, you’re better off sticking to water. If you feel like you need electrolytes, coconut water or a homemade rehydration drink with a pinch of salt and lemon juice does the trick without the sugar rush.
