Some ‘Health Foods’ That May Not Be as Nutritious as You Thought

Even foods marketed as healthy alternatives may still not contain high levels of added sugar and unhealthy fats.
Companies often use wording on product labels and in their marketing to appeal to customers who are trying to make healthier choices.

You might see claims on labels like:
• low fat
• vegan
• gluten-free
• low carb

However, just because a food uses words like these on its label or is generally thought of as healthier than other foods doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
Here are some foods that may not be as healthy as their marketing claims make them out to be.

۱. Flavored yogurts
Yogurt can be a healthy choice, but it’s best to opt for unsweetened yogurt whenever possible.
Flavored and “fruit on the bottom” yogurts can contain a surprising amount of sugar in just a small serving.
Instead of choosing sweetened yogurt, try topping unsweetened yogurt with fresh fruit for a bit of natural sweetness.

۲. Protein drinks and bars
Many people are under the impression that the higher the protein content of a food or beverage, the healthier it is.
Some foods that are naturally high in protein, like fish, eggs, and beans, are definitely healthy choices. However, items like protein bars and shakes may not be as healthy as some people assume.
Many healthy people who consume balanced diets don’t need to get extra protein through supplements. Nevertheless, active individuals and those who follow vegetarian and vegan diets may benefit from more protein in their diets.

۳. Sports drinks and energy beverages
While companies market sports drinks and energy beverages as ways to boost energy and athletic performance, these beverages are unnecessary for most people.
They can also be high in ingredients like:
• added sugar
• artificial colors
• large amount of stimulants, such as caffeine
While some athletes do need to replenish lost nutrients with sports drinks after intense exercise, most people who perform moderate exercise or just regular daily activity do not need to chug sports drinks to stay hydrated.

۴. Gluten-free snack foods
For people with gluten-related disorders, avoiding gluten is necessary.
However, even if a food is labeled as gluten-free, it’s not necessarily healthier than gluten-containing foods.
Some processed gluten-free snack foods and sweets contain just as much, if not more, calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugar as other snacks.
Additionally, studiesTrusted Source show that gluten-free snack foods and other gluten-free items tend to be lower in protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals than their gluten-containing counterparts. They’re also generally more expensive.