As we become more aware of the importance of our health (and the dangers of our modern diets), a lot of people are ditching certain foods that are inherently terrible for us.
Whether it’s due to concerns over processed ingredients, high sugar content, or even the environmental impact of the farming or manufacturing processes, many everyday staples are being swapped for healthier, more natural alternatives. These are just some of the foods people are ditching this year.
1. Sweetened breakfast cereals
Many popular cereals are loaded with sugar, artificial flavours, and preservatives, making them more of a dessert than a healthy breakfast. While they’ve long been marketed as a quick and convenient option, more people are now opting for whole grains, protein-rich breakfasts, or homemade alternatives. Sure, cereal manufacturers have reduced sugar content by an average of 14% in the past few years, but that’s not enough. As the focus shifts toward starting the day with balanced nutrition, people are trading in sugary cereals for options like oatmeal, Greek yogurt with fruit, or eggs. Even “healthy” cereals are being scrutinized, as many still contain hidden sugars and refined ingredients.
2. Instant noodles and soups
Instant noodles have been a go-to for convenience, but their high sodium content, artificial seasonings, and preservatives are making them less appealing. Many brands also contain unhealthy fats that contribute to inflammation and digestive issues. People looking for a quick meal are leaning toward fresh, homemade soups, or at the very least, low-sodium options with cleaner ingredients. More brands are now offering better alternatives with whole grains and real broth, but traditional instant noodles are falling out of favour with many people. Incidentally, The Guardian reported in September 2024 that sales of instant noodle brands were actually up on Ocado by about 20% thanks to TikTok, but the health-conscious among us generally wouldn’t touch them with a 10-foot pole.
3. Frozen ready meals
According to the ADHB, sales of ready meals have been declining for a few years now, though previously it was due to cost concerns rather than health worries. Frozen dinners are often packed with preservatives, excessive salt, and unhealthy fats to enhance flavour and extend shelf life. While they’re convenient, they’re rarely as nutritious as fresh home-cooked meals. As more people focus on clean eating, they’re moving away from highly processed frozen meals in favour of meal prepping with whole ingredients. Even those who rely on frozen foods are choosing options with fewer additives and more natural ingredients.
4. Flavoured yogurts
Yogurt is often seen as a healthy snack, but flavoured varieties are packed with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and syrups that cancel out many of the benefits. Instead of reaching for pre-sweetened yogurts, people are switching to plain, unsweetened versions and adding their own natural flavours with fresh fruit, honey, or nuts. Greek yogurt remains popular, but only when it’s free from unnecessary additives.
5. Processed meats
Cold cuts, sausages, and hot dogs have long been linked to health risks due to their high sodium content, preservatives, and nitrates. Studies have connected processed meats to increased risks of heart disease and certain cancers. More people are cutting back on processed meats, instead opting for fresh, lean proteins or plant-based alternatives. While these foods aren’t disappearing completely, they’re being eaten in moderation rather than as daily staples.
6. Packaged snacks
Chips, crackers, salted nuts, and flavoured popcorn are often loaded with unhealthy fats, artificial flavours, and excessive sodium. While they’re convenient, they don’t offer much nutritional value. Many people are swapping these out for whole food snacks like fresh fruit, homemade trail mix, or air-popped popcorn. Even healthier packaged snacks are being checked for hidden additives and misleading ingredient labels. That’s not to say they’re no good in a pinch or when you’re travelling, but they’re becoming less of an everyday staple than they used to be.
7. Foods with emulsifiers
Emulsifiers are added to many processed foods to improve texture and shelf life, but recent studies suggest they may disrupt gut health and contribute to inflammation. Scarily enough, per a 2023 study in the journal Public Health Nutrition, they’re also present in 51.7% of British food products. To borrow an Americanism, “Yikes!” Ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80 are now being avoided as people become more conscious of their digestive health. Many are choosing fresher alternatives and brands that skip unnecessary additives.
8. High-sugar protein bars and shakes
Protein bars and shakes are usually marketed as health foods, but many contain just as much sugar as chocolate bars. Artificial sweeteners and preservatives also make them less appealing to those focused on whole-food nutrition. Rather than relying on these processed options, many people are shifting toward whole food protein sources, homemade smoothies, or bars with minimal, recognisable ingredients.
9. Foods labelled with “natural flavours”
The term “natural flavours” sounds harmless, but it can mask a variety of lab-created ingredients that aren’t as natural as they seem. Many health-conscious consumers are now avoiding products with vague labelling. Instead, they’re choosing foods with simple, transparent ingredient lists and avoiding anything with overly generic terms that make it difficult to know what’s really inside.
10. Energy drinks
Energy drinks are packed with caffeine, sugar, and artificial stimulants, which can lead to crashes, anxiety, and long-term health concerns. Many people are realising they don’t actually provide lasting energy; they just create temporary spikes that wear off quickly. They’re meant for endurance athletes who need quick access to glucose; in other words, you don’t need a Lucozade because you walked around the block after dinner. As a result, more people are turning to natural energy boosters like green tea, matcha, or simply focusing on better sleep and hydration instead of relying on artificial pick-me-ups.
11. Artificially coloured candies and desserts
Brightly coloured sweets might look fun, but many people are now avoiding artificial dyes due to concerns about their potential health effects. Some studies have linked synthetic food colourings to hyperactivity in children and other health risks. More brands are offering natural alternatives, using ingredients like beet juice, turmeric, and spirulina to create vibrant colours without synthetic chemicals.
12. Commercial salad dressings
Store-bought salad dressings often contain unhealthy oils, added sugars, and preservatives that make an otherwise healthy meal less nutritious. Many people are surprised to find that even “light” or “fat-free” dressings can be full of artificial additives. Instead, homemade dressings made with olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs are becoming the go-to choice. They’re fresher, tastier, and free from unnecessary chemicals.
