What comes to mind when you think of unhealthy foods? While most of us will immediately think of classic junk foods like burgers, chocolate, and cakes, there are other snacks that can be even more dangerous because we don’t know they’re bad for us. To help address that problem, this list uncovers 18 snacks that are much worse for you than you thought.
Microwave Popcorn
Many people think of popcorn as being a fairly low-calorie snack option. But while this can be true of some varieties, many microwave popcorn options are full of sodium, artificial flavors, and diacetyl, which has been linked to lung damage when it is inhaled.
Store-Bought Smoothies
Smoothies are often packed with different fruits and vegetables, so they should always be pretty healthy… right? Well, in reality, many store-bought smoothies contain high amounts of sugars and calories, which can spike your blood sugar levels and lead to unwanted weight gain.
Flavored Yogurts
Yogurts can be a great source of healthy bacteria, contributing to the health and wellbeing of your gut and digestion. But unfortunately, some varieties are deceptively high in sugar and artificial colors and flavorings. This is why it’s important to always check the label before you buy.
Sports Drinks
According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, drinking too many sports drinks can significantly increase your risk of obesity, diabetes 2, and other health issues, especially if you don’t actually do a lot of sports. For this reason, it’s best to stick to water for most of your hydration needs.
Processed Cheese
Processed cheese can be much higher in sodium, additives, and preservatives than natural cheese, as well as containing high amounts of saturated fat. This also means that it has a lower nutritional value and increases your risk of health issues such as heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Diet Sodas
Diet soda is often marketed as being a healthier alternative with little to no calories. However, it has still been associated with health issues such as weight gain and metabolic syndrome. The sweeteners used can also lead to insulin spikes that may increase your risk of diabetes 2.
Fruit Snacks
While fruit snacks are commonly marketed as being healthy and containing real fruit, they mostly consist of sugar and artificial flavorings. Many of these snacks contain high amounts of fructose corn syrup, which can increase your risk of obesity and diabetes 2.
Canned Soups
Even soups that are marketed as healthy and high in vegetables can be surprisingly unhealthy. That’s because they’re often very high in sodium, which is known to cause hypertension and heart disease when consumed in excess. They may also be high in preservatives and artificial flavors.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are usually marketed as being a healthier, lower-calorie alternative to regular chips. However, they’re still often fried and made with high amounts of sodium, as well as containing similar quantities of fat and calories. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the label before picking them up.
Granola Bars
Despite often being labeled as “healthy,” granola bars can be packed full of sugar, unhealthy fats, and oils, significantly detracting from their nutritional value. They’re also often low in protein and fiber, which can make them less nutritious and filling, increasing your likelihood of overeating.
Energy Drinks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consuming too many energy drinks can lead to dehydration, anxiety, insomnia, heart complications, as well as several other health problems. They also often contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which can make them addictive.
Flavored Nuts
While raw, unflavored nuts can be highly nutritious and healthy, flavored nuts are often coated with sugars or salt, detracting from their natural health benefits. Some varieties are also roasted in oils with high amounts of unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats.
Bottled Tea
Most of us would usually think of tea as a fairly healthy and hydrating drink option. However, bottled tea is often surprisingly high in sugar, sometimes containing even more than certain sodas. They also often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, decreasing their nutritional value.
Frozen Pizza
Most of us know that pizza isn’t the healthiest food in the world. But some frozen pizzas can be even worse than you’d expect, containing very high amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and calories. This is why it’s always a good idea to check the label before buying.
Baked Potato Chips
Baked potato chips are typically marketed as a healthier option than normal fried chips. However, they can still be high in sodium and fats, including saturated fats. They also lack the fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients found in whole, unprocessed potatoes.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are known for being popular among students thanks to their convenience, tastiness, and affordability. But sadly, these tasty noodles come at a different kind of price. They can be incredibly high in sodium and contain an unhealthy dose of preservatives and harmful fats.
Muffins
While making your own muffins at home allows you to control the nutritional and calorie content, this isn’t the case when you buy them from a store. Store-bought muffins can be surprisingly high in sugar, calories, and harmful fats like saturated fats and trans fats.
Pretzels
While some people consider pretzels to be a healthier snack option, they’re still very lacking in important nutrients and contain several unhealthy ingredients. For example, they’re high in sodium, which can increase your risk of heart issues and high blood pressure.
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