Not everything labelled “healthy” is truly good for you. In today’s world of slick marketing and buzzwords, it’s easy to fall for foods that seem nutritious but secretly sabotage your health goals. From sugar-loaded granola to sneaky smoothies, these so-called superfoods can derail your diet faster than a donut. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, better digestion, or overall wellness, it’s important to know what you’re really eating. This list of surprisingly unhealthy healthy foods will help you spot the imposters, make smarter choices, and stop falling for food industry tricks once and for all.
9 unhealthy foods disguised as healthy
Granola
Granola is often packed with honey, syrups, dried fruits, and oils, making it more of a dessert than a health food. A single bowl can contain over 400 calories and loads of sugar. Always check the label or make your own with unsweetened oats, nuts, and seeds.
Flavoured yogurt
Flavoured yogurts may look innocent but can hide up to 20g of sugar in one cup. Most also have artificial flavours and stabilisers. Skip the fruit-on-the-bottom varieties and go for plain Greek yogurt. Add fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey if needed.
Multigrain bread
“Multigrain” often misleads shoppers into thinking they’re making a healthy choice. In reality, many multigrain breads are made with refined flour and artificial colouring. Always check if it’s 100% whole wheat or whole grain listed first in the ingredients.
Fruit juice
Even natural fruit juices are packed with sugar and stripped of fibre. One glass may contain the sugar of 3–4 fruits with zero satiety. Unlike whole fruits, juices cause blood sugar spikes. Fresh fruits win every time for digestion, energy, and nutrients.
Energy bars
Energy bars might look fit for a marathon, but many are full of glucose syrup, artificial flavours, and cheap protein fillers. Some have more sugar than a candy bar. Read the label—avoid anything with more than 10g of sugar or unrecognisable ingredients.
Gluten-free packaged foods
Going gluten-free doesn’t automatically mean healthier. Many packaged gluten-free snacks use refined starches like tapioca or white rice flour and compensate with extra sugar and fat. Unless you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you’re often better off with whole wheat.
Diet soda
Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that may disrupt gut bacteria, increase sugar cravings, and even trigger insulin response. They’re also linked to bloating and metabolic issues. It’s better to hydrate with water, coconut water, or infused drinks.
Veggie chips
Most veggie chips are just potato flour mixed with vegetable powders, then deep-fried and heavily salted. They often have the same (or more) calories and fat as regular chips. Bake real vegetable slices at home for a genuinely healthy snack alternative.
Smoothies
Bottled or café-made smoothies often include syrups, sweetened yogurt, and fruit juices—making them a high-calorie treat. Some pack over 300–400 calories. Make smoothies at home with unsweetened yogurt, whole fruits, and leafy greens to keep it genuinely nutritious.Always read the labels, watch out for hidden sugars, and don’t assume a food is healthy just because the packaging says so. When in doubt, whole and minimally processed foods are your safest bet.Also read| White sugar vs brown sugar vs jaggery: Which one is healthier?
