We all lead busy lives, and it can be hard to remember to eat healthily. Sometimes, it’s easier to just grab food off the shelf, thinking only of the convenience and not of the nutritional value. Processed foods are always on-hand, which is why they make so much money for manufacturers. And they’ve saved us time and energy in the past. But, at what cost? 

Many of the products on this list are staples of our daily diet, from Coke to Twinkies. However, if not eaten in strict moderation (or avoided completely) they can lead to long-term health problems, according to cardiologists and other professionals. Some of these products are clearly harmful, but because they’re lucrative moneymakers they stay on the shelves anyway. Others are less obvious, but when eaten in great quantities can have nasty side effects. 

1. Diet Cola
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.19 per can*

Diet cola portrays itself as a healthy alternative to regular cola. After all, it’s sugar-free! And, it has no calories. It’s often been the go-to drink for dieters everywhere. Though Mayo Clinic says that it is okay if consumed in minimal quantities, people who drink more than a can a day could be headed for some serious harm.

According to Healthline, studies have shown that diet colas aren’t so “diet’ after all. Artificial sweeteners can lead to chronic kidney disease, tooth decay (because of the acidic pH level), and an increased risk of osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease. More studies are needed to be 100% sure, but you might want to cut back on diet cola or avoid it totally. 

2. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are highly processed foods that contain many ingredients other than animal meat. Among them is maltodextrin, which, if consumed in excess, can cause damage to the intestines and stomach.

Additionally, a serving of hot dogs has 33% of the recommended daily sodium intake. As if that were not enough, hot dogs usually list “poultry meat” among their ingredients, an ambiguous term that raises doubts about the true origin of the meat they contain. Considering this, it’s surprising just how many of these are sold at stores like Kroger each year.

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3. Breakfast Sandwiches
Manufacturer: Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Horton’s, and more 
Est. Price: $3-$5 per sandwich*

It might be tempting to quickly grab a breakfast sandwich from a fast-food restaurant like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Tim Horton’s. And, there’s no denying that these sandwiches are delicious. However, you could be doing your body a real disservice by eating one every day.

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Though once in a while isn’t a problem, breakfast sandwiches are high in cholesterol. According to The Nutrition Twins, eating a fast-food breakfast sandwich three times a week can make you gain eight pounds a year, thanks to the three-hundred extra calories from the sandwich that you wouldn’t otherwise get if you stuck to eating at home. It makes you think twice about that McDonald’s McMuffin, doesn’t it? 

4. American Cheese Slices
Manufacturer: Sandwich Mate, Kraft, Whitehall, and more
Est. Price: $3.99 per jar*

Imitation cheese often has misleading packaging. These products, instead of being made with ingredients like milk fat the way normal cheese is, have vegetable oils, trans fats, flavorings, and preservatives.

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All of these ingredients make imitation cheeses much less healthy than real cheeses. You can identify imitation cheeses among other things, because they are considerably less expensive than real cheese.

5. Commercial Salad Dressings
Manufacturer: Newman’s Own, Hidden Valley, Wishbone, Kraft, and more 
Est. Price: $2-$4 per bottle* 

Vegetables are super healthy, but the problem is that a lot of them don’t exactly taste great on their own. You can make a super-deluxe salad, but it’ll be a little boring unless you add dressing. And that’s fine, but you might want to stay away from commercial salad dressings.

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Many of them are loaded with vegetable oils, sugar, and trans fats, all of which are unhealthy. They also tend to contain artificial chemicals. These unhealthy ingredients take away from the benefits of the salad. Instead, try making your own salad dressing from olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper.  Next time you’re shopping at Costco, take a harder look at the label. 

6. Pre-Packaged Cupcakes

Pre-packaged cupcakes are a delicious dessert, but their nutritional content will leave you with a very bad taste in your mouth. Sadly, most of these packs contain almost three times the recommended daily value of sugar.

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Another ingredient is high fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to the development of high blood pressure or metabolic syndrome. Excessive consumption of this product can also cause obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver, among other gnarly diseases. Like anything else, these should be eaten in moderation.

7. Gummy Bears
Manufacturer: Haribo 
Est. Price: $4.99 per pound* 

Each bag of Gummy Bears contains just 0.2 pounds of gummies. However, this small amount hides the equivalent of 12 teaspoons of sugar. This is between two and three times the recommended daily intake for a child.

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In addition to the risks that come with excessive sugar intake, Gummy Bears also contain artificial ingredients such as petroleum-based dyes, which can contribute to the development of problems like attention deficit or hyperactivity. A pack of Haribo from Walmart might only cost you a couple of bucks, but is it worth it? 

8. Instant Ramen
Manufacturer: Maruchan Soup 
Est. Price: $0.13 per packet*

Maruchan Soup is a very popular meal for its affordable price, at just thirteen cents a packet. It’s also super-easy it is to prepare. However, due to its low fiber content, a serving of this soup is hardly going to satisfy you.

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In addition, Maruchan Soup is very high in sodium: each container provides half the recommended daily value. Consuming this product frequently can cause problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, among other ailments.

9. Cheap Bread
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $0.88 per loaf*

Cheap white bread is essential for making practical lunches to take to school and the office. It won’t break the bank, costing less than $1 per loaf. But one of the reasons why this product is consumed so frequently is that it can become addictive.

This is because it contains sugar, which helps in the fermentation process of bread. In addition, a lot of brands use a high amount of fat and salt that, in excess, can harm your health. Also, most of these loaves of bread do not have much fiber, so it will hardly make you full.

10. Pancakes
Manufacturer: Hungry Jack, Whole Foods, Mrs. Butterworth, and more 
Est. Price: $2-$4 per box*

Although they are one of the favorite breakfasts of children and adults, pancakes are not particularly healthy. For starters, they tend to have high amounts of salt and preservatives that should be avoided in a balanced diet.

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In addition, they usually contain trans fats, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some of them also have partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which is not one of the healthiest fats out there. But, let’s face it, did any of us really think eating at iHop every day was good for our health? 

11. Coconut Water
Manufacturer: Vita Coco, O.N.E., Zola, and more 
Est. Price: $20 per 12-pack*

Sure, there are a lot of benefits to coconut water. It has electrolytes, and it is very hydrating. However, be careful of coconut water if you’re trying to count your calories. Like many sports drinks, coconut water has 45-60 calories per eight-ounce serving.

If it’s flavored, it might also be high in sugar. There is a third concern with coconut water, and that’s that it can cause your potassium levels to become too high. But, that’s only if you drink it in large amounts. Over-consumption of this beverage can also lead to stomach upset, so just watch how much you’re drinking or you might end up reaching for the Imodium. 

12. Chewing Gum
Manufacturer: Trident, Dentyne, Wrigley, and more 
Est. Price: $1-$3 per pack*

Many brands of chewing gum promote themselves by showing off their supposed benefits. Some promise fresh breath and even whiter, cleaner teeth. However, there are several oral problems that are associated with the consumption of this product.

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Some gum can cause problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and jaw pain, especially if the gum has a high sugar content. Apart from that, there have also been reports of children who have suffered asphyxiation after misusing gum. Think carefully before you pick up a pack at Target’s checkout. 

13. Chocolate-Covered Rice Cereal
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3.98 per box*

Chocolate-covered rice cereals are often advertised as a great option for the little ones to have breakfast. What is not advertised, of course, is that they are one of the most harmful cereals on the market.

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A single serving of this cereal provides between 55 and 73% of the total sugar recommended for children in a day. In addition, many of these types also have colorants associated with the development of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders.

14. Kids’ Yogurt Cups
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.25 per cup*

Many brands promise to help children grow up healthy and strong, but the truth is very different. Yogurt cups aimed at kids are largely made up of sugar, fat, and artificial colorants, excessive consumption of which can lead to various health risks.

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Among these risks are diabetes, metabolic and heart problems, and obesity. As if that were not enough, the excess fat that some of these products contain can become carcinogenic. So, although there may be plenty of calcium in them, it’s worth weighing up the risks!

15. Hot Sauce
Manufacturer: Valentina Mexican, Cholula, Frank’s Red Hot, Tabasco, and more 
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bottle* 

There is no doubt that hot sauce is one of the most popular condiments out there. Due to its versatile flavor, it can be used in a myriad of dishes, from simple snacks to more elaborate meals. There isn’t a single meal that can’t be made more exciting via the addition of hot sauce.

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But although the hotness of this sauce is the entire appeal, it can also damage our stomach lining and cause gastritis. The most sensible thing to do is to consume this product in moderation and take into account the negative effects it can have on our health – even if it can be bought at a bargain price on Amazon!

16. Coffee
Manufacturer: Starbucks, Folger’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Market Pantry, and more 
Est. Price: $2.99 per cup*

Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. People love to drink it, and many can’t imagine starting their morning without a hot (or iced) cup. But while it can give you the energy to start the day, its excessive consumption can also damage your health.

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Too much coffee consumption can cause problems such as sleep disorders or headaches. This drink can also easily worsen anxiety problems, and in the long term, it can even lead to cardiovascular issues. Starbucks makes hundreds of millions a year though, because coffee is also addictive. 

17. Meat
Manufacturer: Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, and more 
Est. Price: $4-$10 per pound*

You have probably heard that meat is part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, excessive consumption of this meat is also a health risk. A lot of meat on the market today contains pesticides that are consumed by the animals, which remain in their bodies for us to consume.

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Most red meat also contains hormones and antibiotics that are given to the animals to accelerate their growth. The factory farming process often uses hormones like testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone on its cattle, which then trickles down to humans, causing problems. Fish, aren’t any better, as they can contain heavy metals such as mercury. But still, that doesn’t stop companies like Tyson Foods 

 
 
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18. Flavored Popcorn
Manufacturer: The Popcorn Factory, Market Pantry, Popcorn Shed, Orville’s, and more
Est. Price: $3-$5 per bag* 

Natural popcorn can be a tasty and healthy snack, as it’s low in calories. Sadly, the ones that are sold ready-made in the supermarket are almost the opposite, especially since they have artificial flavorings. For example, caramel popcorn can be incredibly high in sugar and fat.

 
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A bag, even a small one, of caramel popcorn can contain 12.8 tablespoons of sugar and up to 564 calories. There is no doubt that preparing this snack at home and keeping it unflavored is a much better option than buying it. Disney movies are just as good, no matter the snack!

19. Honey
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $4+*

Honey is a great, natural food product that has many benefits to it. It’s high in antioxidants, can help a sore throat, and even heal cuts. While honey really is a superfood, it still has an incredibly high sugar content which means it should be consumed in moderation. 

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Cardiologists warn against consuming too much sugar as it can lead to heart disease and all sorts of nasty ailments that aren’t easily fixed. In fact, many experts think sugar is the biggest food demon out there, so you may want to think twice before adding that extra spoonful of nectar to your camomile tea.

20. Peanut Butter
Manufacturer: JIFF, Skippy’s, 365, Market Pantry, and more 
Est. Price: $2-$5 per jar*

Peanut butter is high in calories and protein, and it is a common snack for people who are trying to avoid a lot of carbs. The fat in peanut butter is mostly healthy, though note that peanuts do have some saturated fat. Saturated fat can lead to heart issues when it is consumed over a long period of time.

 
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Essentially, peanut butter is healthy, but you need to consume it in moderation (like anything, really). Binge-eating peanut butter daily can easily lead to weight gain and high cholesterol. Too much of a good thing, as they say, is a bad thing.  

21. Spray Cheese
Manufacturer: Easy Cheese 
Est. Price: $3.93 per can*

This one can’t possibly be unexpected, as any type of cheese that you can spray out of a can probably isn’t going to be that healthy for you. Also known as “Easy Cheese” and “Cheez Whiz,” spray cheese is basically whipped cheese. Though it doesn’t need a skull and crossbones on the label, it’s not exactly good for you.

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Spray cheese has more chemicals and processed ingredients than regular cheese. It’s also loaded with salt, containing twice the normal amount that regular cheese has. As The Daily Meal put it, the chemicals in spray cheese should not be eaten “by any living person.” Even if you usually buy this in bulk from Costco, it might be time to rethink.

22. Artificial Orange Juice
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3-$5 per liter*

Artificial orange juice drinks might be delicious, but you should consider giving them up. They typically have tons of sugar, coloring agents, artificial sweeteners, and more, and there is almost no nutritional value. These drinks are worse for you than orange juice (which is super sugary and should also be consumed in moderation).

 
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There was even an instance where a child drank too much of one particular brand and turned yellow, according to a Welsh pediatrician. The child drank 1.5 liters a day, and it turned his skin a different shade. Though that’s an excessive quantity, drinking that much water certainly wouldn’t have that effect. 

23. Tube Yogurts
Manufacturer: Various 
Est. Price: $6.58 per box*

Yogurts in squeezy packaging is a quick, cheap snack that has made an appearance in many kids’ lunchboxes. Yogurt in a tube is fast and easy to eat, and it’s true that kids love it. Though some of these brands do contain Vitamin D3, Vitamin A, and calcium, most have less than ten percent of the recommended daily dose of these nutrients.

 
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Fructose and sugar levels can also be high. According to Healthline, this can cause inflammation, which is associated with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and a wide range of other ailments. Perhaps worryingly, these products always fly off the shelves at grocery stores like Walmart. 

24. Sandwich Cookies
Manufacturer: Various 
Est. Price: $3.19 per box*

For a long time, this style of cookie has been one of the best sellers in the market worldwide. However, in addition to their high sugar levels, this product can contain another ingredient that can be harmful to health: diacetylene.

 
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Diacetylene is a chemical used to flavor certain brands that make sandwich cookies. Surprisingly, it can also cause long-term respiratory problems if consumed in excess. The sugar and fat content makes them addictive, so it’s impossible to eat just one. Next time you’re buying, be sure to check the back of the packet.

25. Iced Tea
Manufacturer: Snapple, Arizona, Honest, Pure Leaf, Tazo, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$4 per container*

Iced tea is a deceptive beverage because it appears to be light, healthy, and naturally derived. But don’t be fooled: this product is much closer to harmful soft drinks than a tea that you could steep at home with a teabag.

 
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Each bottle of iced tea has a staggering fifteen tablespoons of sugar. Consuming this amount of glucose in one sitting can cause insulin spikes in your blood, which can increase your risk of diabetes.

26. Corn Syrup
Manufacturer: Archer-Daniels-Midland, Cargill, Tate & Lyle, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bottle*

You can buy corn syrup at the store, and some recipes do call for it. For example, if you’re making baked goods, frostings, jams, jellies, and other sweet treats, you might be asked to splash in this popular sweetener.

 
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Be wary of using corn syrup. Compared to regular sugar, corn syrup is sweeter and cheaper. Those benefits are outweighed by the toxicity of it, and eating too much corn syrup (which isn’t difficult, as it’s addictively good and even small amounts are terrible for you) can cause insulin resistance, high blood pressure, obesity, Type II diabetes, and more. It’s also very cheap, coming in at less than $3 at stores like Target.  

27. Regular Cola
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.19 per can* 

Much has been said about how harmful cola can be to our health. Even Diet cola is bad for you. But do you know exactly why? Each can of regular cola contains around 7.4 tablespoons of sugar, which represents more than 100% of the recommended daily value.

 
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This soda also has ingredients that can be harmful to bones, such as phosphoric acid. Finally, the dye used in its preparation contains ammonium and sulfides, which have cancer-related risks attached to them. As much as we love cola, this information leaves a sour taste. 

28. Strawberries
Manufacturer: Driscolls, Naturipe, and more
Est. Price: $2.29 per pound*

While strawberries can be a great addition to a healthy diet, one must be very careful when consuming them, due to factors that occur during their cultivation. These delicious fruits can contain up to 20 different types of pesticides.

 
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As strawberries are eaten with their skin, it is essential to clean them very well before eating them, to avoid consuming the chemicals that are used in their cultivation. Running them through water may not be enough, so a better option is to disinfect them with fruit sprays.

29. Pork Rinds
Manufacturer: Rudolph Foods, Utz, Benestar, and more
Est. Price: $4-$6 per bag*

Technically, pork rinds are keto-friendly. While it’s true that this crispy fried snack has no carbs, that doesn’t make it on par with spinach and broccoli. Pork rinds are high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, which means that you shouldn’t dive into a huge bag of them every day.

 
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Eating too many pork rinds can cause high blood pressure and weight gain, which can increase your risk of contracting diabetes and heart disease. Pork rinds are high in protein (9 grams per serving), but they’re not a “healthy snack” the way that pork rind manufacturers often try to portray them.   

30. Caramel Popcorn
Manufacturer: Cracker Jack, Fisher’s, Pop Secret, and more
Est. Price: $3-$5 per bag*

Caramel Popcorn is a very tasty snack, but it is also unhealthy. This product is high in practically everything that should be consumed in moderation: calories, sugars, fats, and sodium, so if you’re not consuming only a small serving of this sugary snack, you could run into trouble.

 
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Worst of all, due to its high sugar content, this snack can be very addictive. Sugar affects our brain in the same way that addictive drugs like cocaine do. Anyone can easily overeat treats like caramel popcorn and still want to keep eating because their brain can’t tell that they’re full.

31. Tomatoes
Manufacturer: Conagra, Agrofusion, and more
Est. Price: $1.89 per pound*

Tomatoes can contain many pesticides, and their skin is so thin that sometimes washing and peeling them may not be enough to get rid of the chemicals. So if you have a choice, it is always better to buy organic tomatoes.

 
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But pesticides are not the only problem. Tomatoes can be harmful to people who have digestive system problems, as they contain large amounts of organic acids. If you’re prone to heartburn, you probably can’t eat these fruits.

32. Refried Beans
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1-$3 per can*

Homemade beans can be a very healthy food, as they have a lot of fiber and protein, which are good for the body. However, its processed version, despite being practical and versatile, is not so healthy.

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Processed refried beans are high in sodium and saturated fat. This can lead to problems such as hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and more. There are tentative studies that have shown that a diet high in these bad ingredients can also heighten your cancer risk.

33. Potato Chips
Manufacturer: Lays, Tostitos, Utz, and more
Est. Price: $2-$5 per bag*

The vast majority of potato chips have petroleum-based colorings, starches, preservatives, and saturated fat. In addition, a serving of just 0.11 pounds of potato chips provides 32% of the recommended daily value for sodium.

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To make matters worse, French fries, which are a close cousin to everyone’s favorite snack food, also contain monosodium glutamate, a compound that enhances flavor but will leave you wanting to eat more and more. There’s a reason you can’t eat just one.

34. Sunflower Seeds
Manufacturer: Conagra, David’s, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bag*

Sunflower seeds have often been billed as a healthy snack food, but even consuming healthy snack foods can lead to a high caloric intake. Weight gain can result from eating too many calories. Additionally, sunflower seeds can be high in sodium, leading to an excessive intake of salt if you eat too many.

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In 2017, according to Science Daily, there was another concerning revelation about these seeds. Researchers found that sunflower seeds were traceable as a source of “toxic mold,” and were “contaminated” with mold-produced toxins. These toxins can act as a potent liver carcinogen, and sunflower seed consumption, if the seeds have these toxic substances, poses an “increased health risk.”

35. Tortillas
Manufacturer: Mission Foods, Guerrero, Maseca, and more  
Est. Price: $4-$6 per bag*

Though fine if eaten in moderation, tortillas, like most carbohydrate-based foods, aren’t good for you if you eat them in high quantities. Flour tortillas are popular all over the world, but they’re not the healthiest choice out there. They often have a high caloric content.

 
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The flour used in the tortillas is usually mass-produced, and, therefore, full of preservatives and additives. Though these chemicals keep the tortillas fresh for longer, they wreak havoc on our bodies. Thirdly, flour tortillas often have a lot of sodium. Bottom line, stick to corn tortillas (or homemade) if you’re looking for a healthier tortilla option. Ingredients won’t cost you that much if you shop at somewhere like Target.

36. Fruit Flavored Cereal
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $3.64 per box*

Fruit-flavored cereals are particularly attractive to children because of their bright colors and sugary taste. Sadly, they are not very healthy. Despite the box claiming that the cereal has a natural fruit flavor, fruit is not even among the ingredients.

 
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In addition, the high amount of sugar in this cereal can lead children (and adults) to develop obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. This type of cereal is definitely not the best option for breakfast; try something high in protein and fiber instead.

37. Canned Tuna
Manufacturer: Ocean Naturals, Safe Catch, Wild Planet, and more
Est. Price: $1.50 per can*

You may have heard that tuna is one of the favorite foods of nutritionists in weight loss diets. This is because it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and, as we all know, a high-protein, low-carb diet is usually a powerhouse for weight loss.

 
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But, before making it part of your daily diet, you should consider that canned tuna may contain mercury. This, even in small amounts, is highly toxic and can lead to problems for your nervous, immune, and digestive systems.

38. Chocolate Milk
Manufacturer: Nestle, TruMoo, Fairlife, and more
Est. Price: $3.69 per gallon*

It’s true that chocolate milk, a favorite of kids and adults everywhere, is delicious and has calcium, Vitamin D, and protein in it. Drinking a small amount every so often won’t hurt you, but, if you consume a high amount of this high-sugar beverage, you can increase your risk of weight gain and certain chronic diseases.

 
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Chocolate milk contains almost as much sugar as a cup of soda. One cup has twenty-five grams of sugar and quite a few calories. Considering that one-third of U.S. children are overweight or obese, it’s something you should skip when it comes to your kids’ (and your) drink choice.

39. Artificially Flavored Creamer
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2-$4 per container*

A cup of coffee in the morning can be just what a lot of us need to get going. And, since the majority of people prefer not to drink their coffee bitter, creamer is often added. There are a ton of artificially-flavored coffee creamers out there, from regular vanilla to even “White Chocolate Raspberry” (International Delight).

 
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Though a dash doesn’t hurt, if you’re one of those people who likes to dilute your coffee to milky tan, think twice. These creamers have a high sugar content, and the artificial flavorings used could be linked to abdominal pain, food hypersensitivity, and more, depending on the flavoring the company chose. 

40. Granola Bars
Manufacturer: KIND, Quaker, NutriGrain, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per box*

Granola bars overexploit their reputation for being healthy. They’re considered a healthy snack, and almost all granola bar advertisements have some sort of nature-related or exercise-themed scene to promote the product. The truth is that many of these granola bars may have ingredients that, far from keeping you in shape, could cause problems for your health.

 
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This product can be very high in refined sugars, and on top of that, it rarely includes significant amounts of fruit. Granola bars are one of those foods that, the fewer ingredients they contain, the more likely they are to be healthy.

41. Sparkling Mineral Water
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2.19 per liter*

PFAS chemicals, also known as “per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals,” are man-made and used in just about everything from stain-resistant fabrics to food packaging. PFAS chemicals have been around since the 1940s, and, though not regulated federally, they have been liked to health issues like thyroid disruption, cancer, and low birth weight, according to the EPA.

 
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Some sparkling mineral water brands were tested and found to have measurable amounts of these PFAS chemicals. The reason behind the presence of these chemicals could be due to high PFAS levels in the source water or the carbonation process.  

42. Creme Eggs
Manufacturer: Cadbury
Est. Price: $3.98 per 5-pack*

Every spring, there are two groups of people: those who like Cadbury Crème Eggs, and those who don’t. In America, these crème-filled chocolate eggs are made by Hershey, and, though they’re a sweet treat for the spring holidays, avoid eating more than just one or two.

 
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We all know that these decadent treats are delicious, but in Cadbury’s website, it says that every egg has 26.5 grams of sugar. Considering that you shouldn’t consume more than 30 grams of sugar a day, you’re using up your entire daily value on this one egg. It could be worth it, but moderation is key, here!

43. Frozen Vegetables
Manufacturer: Birds Eye, Green Giant, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per bag*

We’d never not want to encourage someone to eat vegetables, so, if frozen vegetables are your thing, don’t throw them out. Just note that you might have to eat more if you want to get all the nutrients that non-frozen veggies have. Freezing does help retain some of the nutritional content of frozen vegetables and fruit.

 
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But, if the produce has been frozen for over a year, the nutrients begin to break down. Vitamins and minerals are lost during the blanching process as well. In fact, the greatest nutritional loss occurs during that time. So, if you have frozen vegetables, don’t be afraid to eat a lot and eat them right away.

44. Margarine
Manufacturer: Land O’Lakes, Imperial, Fleischmann’s, Country Crock, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per case*

Margarine began as a cheaper substitute for traditional butter. Interestingly, it contains only a trace amount of cow’s milk, and some brands have even completely eliminated any animal-based ingredients from their recipe.

 
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Instead of the fat from cow’s milk, margarine is made from different vegetable oils. This leads to an alarming amount of trans fat, which can lead to a number of serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

45. Donuts
Manufacturer: Krispy Kreme, Hostess, Dunkin’ Donuts, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per donut*

Donuts are one of the most popular treats out there. These sweet treats offer an infinity of options for any taste. They’re filled with different flavors and decorated with all kinds of sprinkles and frostings.

 
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But the problem with donuts is not only that they tend to have a lot of sugar, but also that they are fried. Because they’re fried, they contain trans fats. Sorry police officers, but donuts should definitely not be part of your daily diet. 

46. Hot Corn Chips
Manufacturer: Barcel 
Est. Price: $2.79*

As popular as these spicy snacks are, their nutritional value leaves a lot to be desired, and it also gives you a lot to worry about. These snacks are high in sodium, calories, saturated fat, and trans fat, all of which can have some nasty effects on your health.

 
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This means that these spicy chips can contribute to high blood pressure and the development of cardiovascular diseases. As if that were not enough, these hot chips also contain red dye, which has been associated with the appearance of tumors. Think twice about putting these in your cart on your next trip to Walmart.

47. Fried Chicken
Manufacturer: KFC, Zaxby’s, Bojangles, Raising Cane’s, and more
Est. Price: $14.99 per 8-piece* (KFC)

Where to begin when it comes to fried chicken? The simple fact that it is fried in oil immediately makes it something to be eaten in moderation. In addition to being fried, this delicacy is also made with a lot of flour.

 
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 Fried Chicken © dbvirago/stock.adobe.com

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Fried chicken is also usually quite high in calories, which can lead to problems like being overweight and having diabetes and heart disease. So if you want to eat chicken, it may be a better option to grill it.

48. Prepackaged Hamburgers
Manufacturer: Mount Pleasant, Omaha Steaks, White Castle, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10 per bag*

Burgers that come prepackaged or pre-packaged are usually cheaper, which is why people like them. However, because they are prepackaged, they are made with meat of questionable origin, which allows companies to save on production costs.

 
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 Prepackaged Hamburgers © etorres / Shutterstock.com

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In fact, many packages indicate that the content of hamburgers is “meat” only up to a certain percentage. The rest can be a variety of things, from soy to animal hides. This last part, of course, is not usually said on the labels.

49. Frosting
Manufacturer: Baker’s Corner, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per canister*

As Nutrition Action put it, frosting is definitely on the list of “what not to eat.” Looking at the ingredients of frosting, it’s pretty clear why this food is a no-no. Though you might think that it’s just a small amount on a cake or cupcake, even that small amount has a ton of sugar.

 
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 Frosting © BWM Infinity / Shutterstock.com

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Let’s look at the nutrition label of a very popular canned frosting, Betty Crocker Vanilla Rich & Creamy Frosting. One serving is two tablespoons, and just in those two tablespoons, there are 140 calories, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, and a whopping 19 grams of sugar. Not to mention, you’re adding that onto the sugar content of the piece of cake itself. 

50. Pre-Cut Watermelon
Manufacturer: Stores like Giant Eagle, Publix, Whole Foods, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6 per container*

It was previously thought that watermelon could cause diseases such as yellow fever or typhus. Although this is not a proven fact, it is true that there are conditions related to its consumption. Mainly, these conditions occur when watermelon is bought already cut in the supermarket.

 
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 Pre-Cut Watermelon © puhhha / Shutterstock.com

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The problem with consuming previously cut watermelon is that the fruit could be contaminated with bacteria that can end up causing salmonellosis. In 2019, according to WebMD, there was an outbreak of salmonella illness tied to pre-cut watermelon. Without a doubt, the safest option is to buy the whole fruit and cut it yourself at home.

51. Potatoes
Manufacturer: Fresh Idaho, Lamb Weston, and more
Est. Price: $1.50-$2.50 per pound*

Like other vegetables, potatoes can be contaminated with pesticides that are dangerous for human consumption. But this is not the only danger associated with these tubers. You may have noticed that when potatoes are old they start to turn green.

 
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 Potatoes @AdriBoschMarti / Pinterest.com
 
 
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This means that they have generated a large number of glycoalkaloids, which can cause moderate to severe food poisoning. If a potato has turned green, it is best not to eat it. Another rule of thumb is that if the potatoes taste bitter, do not eat them.

52. Alkaline Water
Manufacturer: Essentia, Flow, Bai, Core Hydration, and more
Est. Price: $1.99 per gallon*

Natural alkaline water is formed when water passes over rocks, and it has a higher pH level than tap water. Alkaline water promises to be better for your body than plain water, and it even claims to help conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

 
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 Alkaline Water @CeciliaParodi01 / Pinterest.com
 
 
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However, if you have any chronic disease or kidney or liver disease, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting to drink alkaline water, as it can increase sodium levels in your body. 

53. Agave
Manufacturer: Wholesome, Kirkland Signature, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $5-$10 per bottle*

Agave nectar is often touted as a healthy alternative to sugar or other syrups made with refined sugar. But, how true is that? The truth is that agave nectar has the same sugar content as many other sweeteners. In some cases, it might have even more.

 
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 Agave @ecubi0022 / Pinterest.com
 
 
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A tablespoon of refined sugar has 40 calories, while the same amount of agave nectar has 60. In addition to that, agave is very high in fructose, which facilitates the accumulation of fat in the liver and increases bad cholesterol.

54. Sausages
Manufacturer: Jimmy Dean, Aidells, Hillshire Farm, and more
Est. Price: $3-$6 per 4- or 6-pack*

Sausages are very versatile and can be eaten and cooked in a wide variety of presentations. However, they are not a great option if you want to eat a healthy diet. Their main problem is their large amount of saturated fat.

 
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 Sausages © Valentina_G / Shutterstock.com

 
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As if that were not enough, all sausages have alarming amounts of sodium and nitrates, which are carcinogenic. If consumed in excess, this product can contribute to the development of obesity and even cause heart attacks and strokes.

55. Onions
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $1.25 per pound*

It’s true that onions have their benefits. According to Healthline, onions have sulfuric compounds and antioxidants, and early studies show that they’ve been linked to reduced cancer risk, lower blood sugar levels, and bone health improvements.

 
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So, what’s the problem? Onions aren’t good for everyone. They’re very acidic, which means that if you have conditions like heartburn or gout, you’ll want to avoid onions or risk being in some serious pain. Other conditions that make onions unadvisable include colitis, acid reflux ulcers, intestinal inflammation, and rosacea. Healthline said that onion sensitivity or intolerance is a pretty “common occurrence.”  

56. Hamburgers
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Burger King, White Castle, and other fast-food restaurants
Est. Price: $1-$5 per burger*

Burgers are probably the most popular fast food out there. And much has been said regarding their contribution to weight gain. However, the health dangers that come with eating burgers go far beyond the extra pounds.

 
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Hamburgers at fast-food restaurants are made with large amounts of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. This can end up affecting your circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems. In addition, the ingredients used in its preparation add many calories but provide very few nutrients.

57. Tortilla Chips
Manufacturer: Tostitos, Layz, Utz, and more
Est. Price: $3.98 per bag*

Tortilla chips can be used in a myriad of ways. Perhaps the most popular is to prepare them as nachos, with beans, or with guacamole. The bad news is that, despite their versatility and delicious flavor, they are not the healthiest snacks out there.

 
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 Tortilla Chips ©Igor Dutina / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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All the chips are made from fried corn dough, which makes them instantly high in calories, cholesterol, and sodium. For that reason, it is not highly recommended that people with hypertension, obesity or heart problems consume them frequently.

58. Mole Sauce
Manufacturer: Dona Maria, La Costena, and more
Est. Price: $8-$10 per jar*

Mole sauce is a dish from Mexico, and you can find it at many Mexican parties and celebrations. This sauce, which has become popular in the U.S. as well, is commonly made from chili peppers, spices, butter, dark chocolate, almonds, and thickeners like corn dough, bread, or tortilla, depending on the recipe that is followed. Sadly, it is not a dish that you would easily find on a healthy menu.

 
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 © calimedia / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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Due to the chilies used to prepare it, the mole can irritate the stomach and cause discomfort. In addition, the fact that it is usually eaten with rice, tortillas, and meat considerably increases the number of calories it provides.

59. Milk
Manufacturer: All Dean Foods, Danone, Lactaid, Hiland, Prairie Farms, etc.
Est. Price: $3.71 per gallon*

If you think about it carefully, there are some puzzling things about drinking milk. First of all, humans are the only species that consume milk even when we have finished growing. Besides that, we are also the only ones that feed on the milk of animals of another species.

 
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 Milk © Kostenko Maxim / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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As if that were not enough, some of the hormones that can be found in this drink have been associated with the development of breast and prostate cancer. Of course, milk is undoubtedly high in protein and calcium, which benefits the bones. Just be careful to make sure the milk you drink is organic.

60. Energy Drinks
Manufacturer: Monster, Red Bull, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per can*

There are people who rely on energy drinks to get them through the day. If you are one of these energy drink aficionados, perhaps you should reconsider the habit, since these products do more harm than good to your body. Energy drinks often contain caffeine, taurine, and sugars.

 
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 Energy Drinks ©Antonio Batinic/Shutterstock.com
 
 
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All of these ingredients are stimulants, which can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. If they are consumed in excess, the situation gets even worse, since they can cause alterations in the heart rate and blood pressure. It’s not unheard of for energy drinks to worsen anxiety; you can even become addicted to these drinks, according to Addiction Helper.

61. Dried Fruit
Manufacturer: Bare, Market Pantry, Rind, etc.
Est. Price: $5-$15 per bag*

Dried fruit can be misleading. It is true that it has nutrients similar to those of fresh fruit. But, the dehydration process can kill some of these nutritional benefits. Vitamin C, for example, is very sensitive to heat and oxidation and therefore is often lost during dehydration.

 
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 Dried Fruit ©Elena Schweitzer / Shutterstock.com

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On top of that, dehydration reduces the weight and size of fruits, which is why it’s easy to overeat if you’re careless. Dried fruit can be a great snack, but you should be informed about its nutritional value, and check the label for added sugars. Even “unsweetened” bags of dried fruit can still have a lot of sugar.

62. Raw Cashews
Manufacturer: Planters, Nut Harvest, Terrasoul Superfoods, etc.
Est. Price: $12.99 per pound*

Raw cashews, also known as tree nuts, are usually sold roasted in stores. And for a very important reason: when raw, they contain a very toxic resin called urushiol. Among the discomforts that this substance can cause is urushiol dermatitis, which can cause symptoms such as inflammation and suppuration.

 
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 Raw Cashews @careenao / Pinterest.com
 

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This dermatological problem can be quite severe. On top of that, eating raw cashews in large quantities can even have lethal consequences. But don’t worry: most of the cashews you can find in any store have been roasted and can be safely consumed. If you do stumble upon raw cashews, avoid them.

63. Roasted Peanuts
Manufacturer: Planters, Market Pantry, etc.
Est. Price: $4.99 per pound*

Both roasted and raw nuts have a lot of benefits, and they’re similar, as far as calories, carbs, protein, and carbs go. Roasted peanuts are often preferable to regular peanuts, as they have more flavor to them.

 
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 Roasted Peanuts © SAM THOMAS A / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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Roasting nuts might add flavor, but the process can damage the healthy fat in nuts, which reduces their nutritional value. In fact, roasting the nuts can even lead to the formation of acrylamide, a harmful substance that forms during high-temperature cooking. According to Science Daily, acrylamide can cause nerve damage, impaired muscle coordination, and muscle weakness, if you’re exposed to the chemical in large doses. 

64. White Wine
Manufacturer: Barefoot, Kim Crawford, Bota Box, La Crema, and more
Est. Price: $10-$15 per bottle*

White wine can be an ideal date drink or a great reward after a long day at work. But, consuming it daily is definitely not ideal. First of all, because drinking wine could become an addiction and increase your tolerance to alcohol, causing you to need more and more to feel satisfied.

 
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 White Wine ©Aerial Mike / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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That’s not all. White wine can also increase your blood pressure, and if consumed on a daily basis, it could also cause cirrhosis and even negatively affect your fertility. Plus, each cup has roughly 200 calories that might be better served in a healthier drink.

65. Salt
Manufacturer: Morton, Saxa, Tata, and more
Est. Price: $0.40 per 26 oz. container*

You’ve probably heard that, in order to have a healthy diet, you need to avoid sodium. But do you know exactly why? There are many reasons, but the first is that eating too much salt will cause you to retain fluids, which puts more pressure on your heart and blood vessels.

 
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 Salt ©Art_Photo / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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Salt raises blood pressure, which can lead to severe problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart and kidney failure. In addition, salt is dangerous because it generates a craving response in our body, which makes it highly addictive.

66. Chili Peppers/Jalapenos
Manufacturer: Embasa Jalapenos, La Costena, La Victoria, etc.
Est. Price: $1 per pound*

More than a few people enjoy spicing up their food with chili peppers, jalapeños, or hot sauces. Although these ingredients can improve the taste of food and make them more enjoyable, it is advisable not to consume these spices in excess, as they can cause problems for your digestive system.

 
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 Chili Peppers/Jalapenos ©Stephanie Frey / Shutterstock.com

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Spicy foods can aggravate the symptoms of gastritis, heartburn, and hemorrhoids. In addition, there are studies that show that people who consume about three jalapeños per day are more likely to develop stomach cancer. So if you are going to eat spicy food, do it carefully and in moderation.

67. Honey
Manufacturer: Crockett, Wholesome Organic, Honest, Market Pantry, and more
Est. Price: $5-$6 per pound*

Honey is often touted as an alternative to sugar. After all, it’s more natural than white sugar, so why wouldn’t it be better for you? It’s true that honey has been linked to quite a few health benefits, including blood antioxidant increases, improved heart health, and even wound healing.

 
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 Honey © iPrano / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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If you’re using honey to replace other sugars, that’s fine, but don’t dump a lot in there. Honey still has a high calorie and sugar count, so you will experience adverse effects if you consume too much. Stick to, at maximum, a spoonful of honey per day. That’s the recommendation for a healthy person without weight issues. 

68. Fruit Juice
Manufacturer: Tropicana, Ocean Spray, Bolthouse Farms, Sunsweet, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5 per container*

For some people, breakfast wouldn’t be the same without a tall glass of orange juice. While drinking fruit juice is often seen as a healthy alternative to soda, it’s actually not. According to UC Davis, fruit juice has concentrated sugar and calories, the consumption of which can lead to weight gain.

 
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 Fruit Juice © TonelsonProductions / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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Fruit juice can even cause blood sugar spikes, if you drink it daily, according to Eat This Not That. Fructose, which is the natural sugar that you find in all fruit and fruit juice, isn’t harmful in small quantities, but the results can be deadly if you over-consume it. According to CBS News, drinking excessive amounts of fruit juice can increase your “risk of an early death” by 42%.  

69. Pears
Manufacturer: USA Pears, California Pears, etc.
Est. Price: $0.61 per pear*

Pears are very healthy fruits. However, due to the way they are grown, they can be full of pesticides that are very harmful to the human body. One of these pesticides, known as EDC, can cause sleep disorders, affect appetite, and even negatively influence reproductive processes.

 
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 Pears ©Elenglush / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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Sadly, the pear is one of the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits, according to a list compiled by the US Environmental Working Group. So, if this juicy fruit is one of your favorites, don’t forget to wash and disinfect them before eating them.

70. White Pasta
Manufacturer: Barilla, Mueller’s, Ronzoni, and more
Est. Price: $1-$3 per box*

Simple carbs are also known as “white carbs.” These carbs have been refined during processing, stripping away the germ and bran. You can find these carbs in white pasta, white rice, and white bread. These carbs are not good for you, and they can cause an increase in weight because of the way your body breaks the carbs down.

 
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 White Pasta © darksoul72 / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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When you consume white pasta, your body breaks the carbs quickly down into glucose. This causes your blood sugar to spike, leaving you feeling hungrier later on and making you more likely to overeat in the long run. White pasta lacks nutrients, so, in the grocery aisle, it’s best to stick to whole wheat noodles.

71. Parmesan Cheese
Manufacturer: Kraft, Igourmet, Mama Francesca, and more
Est. Price: $11 per pound*

Parmesan cheese is an Italian food favorite that has been adopted around the world. Although Parmesan is a great additive to pasta, lasagna, and salads, it is recommended that you consume it in moderation, as it is very high in sodium.

 
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 Parmesan Cheese @gena_gheorghiu / Pinterest.com

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In addition, due to its delicious taste and versatility, it is very easy to overindulge in this product and end up eating extra calories, which, if done frequently, can lead to being overweight or obese. People don’t realize that they’re eating too much because they just view it as a sprinkled topping. Stick to the recommended serving size of one-quarter cup or less.

72. Nacho Chips
Manufacturer: Various
Est. Price: $2.72 per bag*

Doritos are one of those products that have many calories and many ingredients but do not contribute anything positive to our body, apart from their taste. If you’ve eaten them, you know that it can be difficult to stop eating once you start. This is not ideal, as every snack bag of Doritos has 150 calories.

 
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 Doritos © Studio Light and Shade / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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In addition to the calorie count, this snack is high in sodium and saturated fat, and it also has a wide variety of seasonings, flours, sugars, and colorings that can negatively affect the digestive and circulatory system. There is no doubt that Doritos have no place in a healthy diet.

73. Pizza
Manufacturer: Papa John’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, frozen food brands, etc.
Est. Price: $7.25-$15 per pizza*

Pizza is a food that you can find in many fast-food restaurants and even frozen in the supermarket. It’s super convenient, and it can be very practical when you don’t have time to cook. A pizza every once in a while doesn’t hurt, but don’t indulge frequently or regularly.

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Pizza is a combination of potentially harmful foods for the body: cheese, which is very high in saturated fat, cold cuts, which have high amounts of sodium, and bread and sauce, which are made with a lot of sugar. Preservatives and colorings are also present in pizza in high doses.

74. French Fries
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Burger King, Raising Cane’s, other fast-food restaurants and frozen food brands
Est. Price: $1.39 per bag* (McDonald’s)

French fries are one of the most common side dishes. However, they should not be consumed too often. A recent study found that eating fries two to three times a week doubles the risk of premature death. The risk is, in part, due to a substance called acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical that is formed when food is heated above a certain temperature.

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 French Fries ©Jukov studio / Shutterstock.com

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This substance is often found in french fries because of the heat required to make them. As if that were not enough, this fried food usually has high amounts of flour, salt, and oil. It is certainly a better idea to opt for another side dish, if possible.

75. Low-Carb Bars
Manufacturer: Atkins
Est. Price: $6-$9 per box*

Atkins low-carb bars are often a quick snack when you’re trying to eliminate or cut carbohydrates from your diet. These bars are part of a diet plan, and a lot of people assume that, even if they’re not a “health food,” they’re at least not actively damaging.

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 Atkins Low-Carb Bars © Deutschlandreform / Shutterstock.com

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There are some ingredients to be concerned about when it comes to these low-carb bars. Many have canola or soybean oil, which both can negatively impact metabolic and heart health, according to Time. There is also a hefty dose of sugar alcohol and artificial sweeteners in the bars, which can cause gas and digestive problems.

76. White Chocolate
Manufacturer: Ghirardelli, Lindt, Hershey, Nestle, and more
Est. Price: $2-$4 per bar*

You may have heard that white chocolate is not “really” chocolate. People say this because white chocolate is not made with cocoa solids but is instead made from the butter obtained from cocoa seeds. Milk and sugar are added to this butter for flavor.

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 White Chocolate ©limpido / Shutterstock.com

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As you may have noticed, white chocolate is basically that: fat with sugar. This sweet does not have any of the nutrients of cocoa, but it does have the calories. Therefore, its consumption is not recommended for people who want to lose weight or those who have diabetes or high cholesterol.

77. Century Eggs
Manufacturer: Various 
Est. Price: $10 per box*

In some cultures, century eggs are considered delicacies. They certainly don’t look all that appealing considering they’re preserved eggs that have been hanging around for years, but are they actually bad for you? 

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 Century Eggs ©Marc Venema / Shutterstock.com

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Not exactly. Century eggs do have some health benefits, but compared to normal eggs the proteins aren’t always as easy to absorb. So, while they won’t do you any harm, they aren’t as healthy for you as freshly laid eggs straight from the farm. That being said, many think they’re delicious.

78. Instant Mac & Cheese
Manufacturer: Kraft  
Est. Price: $0.98 per box of Kraft*

It’s true that instant mac ‘n cheese is often a lifesaver for broke college students and picky toddlers, but be careful how much you eat. You don’t have to be at an obsessive level to incur harm from boxed mac ‘n cheese, as the microwavable delicacy has harmful chemicals in it.

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 Instant Mac & Cheese ©littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com

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According to The New York Daily News, phthalates, a toxic industrial chemical, are found in ten different varieties of mac ‘n cheese. Kraft products appear to be the biggest offenders, as eight out of nine of their familiar blue and orange boxes contain these harmful chemicals, thanks to their plastic packaging, which leaches into the pasta itself.  

79. Protein Drinks And Bars
Manufacturer: Cliff, KIND, and more 
Est. Price: $10-$20*

There are hidden dangers when it comes to protein bars and powders. Though these quick snacks might seem like the best option, especially when you can’t stop and eat a full meal, make sure that you read the label on the back of the jar or box. It will only take a few seconds, and it could mean the difference between gaining and losing weight.

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 Protein Drinks And Bars ©Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com

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Many protein powders, according to Harvard Health, have a lot of added sugar, as many as twenty-three grams per scoop. This means that a glass of milk becomes an unhealthy drink with over 1,200 calories. Bars aren’t much better, as they can have just as much sugar as protein powders. Bottom line: read the label.    

80. Gluten-Free Pasta
Manufacturer: Barilla, Ronzoni, Tinkyada, etc.
Est. Price: $2-$5 per box*

When people see the phrase “gluten-free,” they might automatically assume that that means the food is healthy and can be eaten in bunches. While some foods, like vegetables, are both free of gluten and able to be eaten in large quantities without weight gain, gluten-free pasta is not one of them.

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 Gluten-Free Pasta ©xamnesiacx84 / Shutterstock.com

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Today’s Dietitian says that a lot of gluten-free foods are still high in fat, sodium, sugar, and sugar, even though they are free of pesky gluten. If you are gluten-free but over-eating low-nutrient pastas and sugary foods, you’re more likely to gain weight, nixing the entire goal of your gluten-free diet (assuming you don’t have an allergy).   

81. Salami
Manufacturer: Oscar Meyer, Margherita, etc. 
Est. Price: $4.48 for an 8oz. package of Oscar Meyer salami*

While meat is rich in a few minerals and vitamins, as with anything, you don’t want to overdo it. Limit your meat intake to 300-600 grams per week (so, just over a pound). Salami is a good example of why you should eat meat in moderation, as it is chock-full of sodium.

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 Salami ©yingko / Shutterstock.com

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It’s true that sodium is important for regulating your fluid balance, but, if you consume too high an amount, you can increase your blood pressure. Those with a family history of hypertension should steer clear of salami and other pre-packaged meats, as the sodium content will cause nothing but trouble.      

82. Flavored Soy & Almond Milk
Manufacturer: Silk, Great Value, Almond Breeze, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6 per half-gallon*

Many people choose soy and almond milk over regular dairy. That’s a fine preference, and it’s especially helpful if you’re sensitive to dairy products. However, be careful choosing vanilla, chocolate, or other-flavored soy or almond milk. Though this milk tastes delicious, it can be packed with sugar.

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 Flavored Soy & Almond Milk ©Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com

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For example, in one serving of Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk, there are thirteen grams of sugar. That means that, with just one glass of milk, you can drink a good majority of your recommended daily value of sugar. Though almond milk has fewer calories, choose the unsweetened, flavorless kind to make sure you’re consuming a beverage with a low glycemic index.    

83. Pre-Made Dough
Manufacturer: Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Trader Joe’s, and more   
Est. Price: $3-$11*

Premade pastry dough is convenient, and, though it may seem harmless, it can wreak havoc on your heart health. In addition to being often high in sugar and salt, this premade dough also contains trans fats. Trans fats can be found in animal products in small amounts, though, in a natural state, they’re not very harmful.

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 Pre-made Dough ©@health / Pinterest.com

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Trans fats in premade dough are not naturally-occurring, and that means that they can raise your “bad” cholesterol while lowering your “good” cholesterol. Eat This reported on a study that showed that people who ate a lot of trans fats, such as the kind found in premade dough, were over 25% more likely to succumb to heart disease. 

84. Sports Drinks
Manufacturer: PepsiCo
Est. Price: $1.19 for a 24oz. bottle*

Gatorade is a popular sports drink among athletes and non-athletes alike. One of the reasons that Gatorade, which is owned by PepsiCo, tastes so good is because of its sugar content. If you’re buying Gatorade, it’s best to stick to the low-sugar or sugar-free variety. And, even with that, you should drink it in moderation.

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 Gatorade ©Patcharaporn Puttipon 636 / Shutterstock.com

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Regular Gatorade can have as much as 36 grams per 20 ounces. This high sugar content can negate your workout, causing you to gain weight, even though you’re exercising. Not to mention, the sugariness of this sports drink can cause tooth decay, particularly in children.

85. Artificial Sweetener
Manufacturer: Splenda, Sweet ‘n Low, Stevia, and more  
Est. Price: $3-$6 per box*

The Food and Drug Administration has approved five different artificial sweeteners for human consumption. These five include sucralose, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and acesulfame. These sweeteners are sugar-free, but that doesn’t make them healthy for you.

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 Artificial Sweetener ©Pheelings media / Shutterstock.com

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The AHA and ADA have stated that artificial sweeteners can help people lower their calories, but, according to Harvard Health, you might consume unhealthier, less nutritionally-valuable food as a result. You might have had a diet soda, but that doesn’t mean you should have a piece of cake to reward yourself. Also, critics of artificial sweeteners have linked these fake sugars to a whole host of problems, from weight gain to cancer. But, it’s worth noting that these studies are hotly-debated. 

86. Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
Manufacturer: Jif, Market Pantry, Skippy, etc.
Est. Price: $4-$7*

Reduced-fat peanut butter is a food that, on its surface, sounds like it would be healthy. After all, if you’re trying a low-fat diet, you want to stay away from fats, right? As it turns out, peanut butter is a source of “good” fats, A.K.A. monounsaturated fats. You don’t want to cancel those out of your diet.

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 Reduced Fat Peanut Butter ©Bai-Bua Photographer / Shutterstock.com

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Monounsaturated fats, which are found in nuts, avocados, olives, and other healthy foods, can help reduce your “bad” cholesterol level. A lower LDL level means a reduced heart disease and stroke risk. Though you shouldn’t dig in and eat half a jar of peanut butter in one sitting, a tablespoon or two a day can’t hurt. 

87. Frozen Yogurt
Manufacturer: Kemps, Froyo, and more 
Est. Price: $5-$10*

People trying to clean up their diet tend to flock to frozen yogurt as a dessert option because it is lower in calories and fat than regular ice cream. Frozen yogurt bars are popular everywhere, as more and more people ditch ice cream.

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 Frozen yogurt ©veryulissa / Shutterstock.com

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You should still be careful about over-indulging, as frozen yogurt doesn’t skimp on sugar. One half-cup of vanilla frozen yogurt contains seventeen grams of sugar, according to the USDA. A regular bowl of frozen yogurt can easily contain four times that amount. Ironically, a half-cup of vanilla ice cream contains, on average, fourteen grams of sugar. 

88. Packaged Gelatin
Manufacturer: Brachs, Sour Patch Kids, Jell-O, and more  
Est. Price: $2.42 for a box of Jell-O*

Gelatin is good for quite a few things, as it is rich in protein. It has an amino acid profile that gives it a lot of health benefits, from reducing joint and bone pain to increasing brain function. However, you should not exceed more than ten grams a day of gelatin, according to WebMD.

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 Packaged Gelatin ©calimedia / Shutterstock.com

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More than that might cause some serious digestive issues, including bloating, gas, heartburn, and a heaviness in the stomach. It might even cause allergic reactions. Prepackaged gelatin is far less healthy than natural gelatin, as foods like candy corn, Jell-O pudding, and Sour Patch Kids have a lot of sugar. If you want to consume gelatin healthily, consider purchasing a supplement. 

89. Microwavable Rice
Manufacturer: Various 
Est. Price: $1-$3 per box* 

There are a lot of benefits of rice, particularly brown rice. Rice is a carb that has a lot of nutrients, from magnesium to selenium to B vitamins. Unfortunately, brown rice has 50% more arsenic in it than white rice. Meanwhile, white rice has fewer vitamins and less fiber than brown rice.

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 Microwavable Rice ©BWM Infinity / Shutterstock.com

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According to Science of the Total Environment, a journal in which a study on arsenic in rice was published, prolonged consumption of rice can cause chronic arsenic exposure. This poisoning can lead to premature deaths. It’s a long shot to say that you can die from eating microwavable rice, but don’t gorge yourself on it day in and day out. 

90. Veggie Burgers
Manufacturer: Boca, MorningStar Farms, and more 
Est. Price: $3.63 average price per patty* 

When you hear the words “veggie burger,” your mind probably jumps to the health food aisle of your local store’s freezer section. Veggie burgers are the go-to for anyone trying to get away from meat, and they do have less cholesterol and more fiber than regular beef patties.

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 Veggie Burgers ©Polina Yanchuk / Shutterstock.com

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But, veggie burgers are flawed too, as they have far more sodium than meat patties. The average veggie burger contains 398 milligrams of sodium, while the average beef patty has 74 milligrams. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, so, if you’re eating a veggie burger that day, try to make your other meals low in sodium.

91. Low-Fat Ice Cream
Manufacturer: Breyers, Wink, Yasso, and more 
Est. Price: $5-$10*

Low-fat ice cream might seem like a healthier option than regular ice cream, but, much like frozen yogurt, you shouldn’t hang your hat on the “low-fat” label. Low-fat ice cream can still be high in sugar and carbohydrates, causing spikes in your blood sugar that leave you craving more.

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 Low-Fat Ice Cream @FiberOne / Twitter.com

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Even low-calorie and sugar-free ice cream has its downsides, as these ice creams can be highly processed, even more so than regular ice cream. Also, low-fat ice cream may lead people to overeat, as they assume they can eat more of it because it’s “healthier” than the full-fat dessert. 

92. Breakfast Cereal
Manufacturer: Post, General Mills, etc.
Est. Price: $3-$6*

Picture your grocery store’s cereal aisle. There are tons of brightly-colored boxes, all with their own mascot to try to get kids to nag their parents into buying them. Resist the temptation to go with looks alone, as these seemingly-harmless cereals can pack quite a negative health punch.

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 Breakfast Cereal ©margouillat photo / Shutterstock.com

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In three-quarters of a cup of Lucky Charms, there are ten grams of sugar. That means that, depending on how much cereal you or your kid eats per day, you could be consuming 30 to 40 grams of sugar at breakfast alone. Read the labels of cereal boxes to make sure your proposed breakfast isn’t high in sugar and salt. You’ll be far better off if you start your day with a high-fiber, low-sugar bowl.

93. Sweet Tea
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Pure Leaf, Snapple, and more 
Est. Price: $1.39 for a large sweet tea at McDonald’s*

Your waistline will not thank you if you have a sweet tea habit. The beverage is popular, especially in the South, but sweet tea, true to its name, has a ton of sugar in it. In one bottle of Pure Leaf Sweet Tea, there are fifty-nine grams of sugar.

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 Sweet Tea ©onyengradar / Shutterstock.com

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Even a glass a day of sweet tea can put you at a heightened risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Heightened sugar intake means a higher triglyceride level, which can lead to an increased stroke risk. Though sweet tea has fewer calories than full-sugar soda, it is by no means healthy for you. 

94. Canned Fruit
Manufacturer: Dole, Del Monte, Chiquita, and more  
Est. Price: $2-$4 per can*

When choosing between canned fruit and regular fruit, convenience might cause you to choose the former. After all, you only have a set time to eat a peach before it goes bad, but canned peaches can last months in your pantry.

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Though canned fruit have their upsides, they are often packed with a lot of added sugar, as the fruit is canned with a heavy coating of syrup. For example, one half-cup of canned pears, when packed in syrup, has nineteen grams of sugar. A half-cup of pears that has been canned in its own juices has twelve grams.   

95. Veggie Chips
Manufacturer: Sensible Portions, Terra, EatSmart, and more  
Est. Price: $3-$6 per pack* 

According to Cooking Light, the purveyors of all foods good-for-you and diet-friendly, veggie chips really aren’t healthier than potato chips. Sure, the word “veggie” might sound better than “potato,” but that doesn’t make them the smarter choice. It might not really even be worth choosing one over the other.

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 Veggie Chips ©stockcreations / Shutterstock.com

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Veggie chips are still processed and full of salt. They’re still fried in oil, which makes them prone to all the unhealthy effects that regular Lays have. If you want a healthier, more filling option, try a handful of unsalted nuts, vegetables dipped in hummus, or celery and peanut butter.  

96. Pre-Made Pie Crusts
Manufacturer: Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, Betty Crocker, etc.  
Est. Price: $3-$11*

While premade pie crust isn’t the worst thing you could eat, it’s not healthy for you. There are no sugars or trans fats, but there tends to be a lot of sodium. One entire Pillsbury premade pie crust, for example, contains 1,040 grams of sodium—that’s 130 grams per one-eighth of the pie.

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 Pre-Made Pie Crusts ©TonelsonProductions / Shutterstock.com

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Even just one-eighth of the pie is six percent of your daily value. Also, what tends to go into the pie crust is also not exactly a healthy food. Pretty much every pie you can think of is packed with heaps of sugar. If you want to avoid processed foods and sodium, make your pie crust at home from scratch. That way, you can control what’s in it. 

97. Turkey Bacon
Manufacturer: Oscar Meyer, butchers
Est. Price: %6-$8 per package*

Turkey bacon, when compared to pork bacon, has less fat and fewer calories. It’s often considered a “healthier” option for people who cannot eat pork or who are on special diets. However, it would be a misnomer to call turkey bacon a “health food.”

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 Turkey Bacon ©Jarvna / Shutterstock.com

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Turkey bacon is still processed meat, which means it has all the toxic chemicals that come with that process. Also, turkey bacon has more added sugar and less protein than pork bacon. It still contains four grams of saturated fat, a problematic substance that can increase your risk for cardiovascular issues like heart disease.     

98. Impossible Burger
Manufacturer: Impossible Foods, Inc. 
Est. Price: $5.49 per package of patties*

Impossible Burgers have gotten a lot of attention, as they taste nearly identical to beef patties, except they are completely plant-based. Though veggie burgers are not a new concept, the Impossible Burger tastes so close to meat that it has even swayed carnivores over to its side.

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 Impossible Burger ©sergio capuzzimati / Shutterstock.com

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Though the Impossible Burger is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, it is high in saturated fat. It has eight grams, making it comparable to a regular burger. Also, the Impossible Burger is heavily-processed, with far more sodium (370 milligrams) than a regular beef or turkey patty. Though the Impossible Burger has its upsides, it’s not a perfect solution to avoiding red meat.

99. Rice Cakes
Manufacturer: Quaker and more 
Est. Price: $3 per pack of Quaker rice cakes*

Medicine Net says that rice cakes are not to be considered a “healthy replacement” for other foods, as these cakes aren’t “nutrient dense.” They often have a lot of added salt, which means that people who are at risk for cardiovascular problems or who have been told to stay away from sodium should avoid these cakes.

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 Rice Cakes ©HandmadePictures / Shutterstock.com

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Additionally, rice cakes are not the easiest things in the world to digest. Though bodybuilders eat them for a quick source of energy, the preparatory process that goes into making the cakes can cause them to be chemically and physically difficult to digest. 

100. Acai Bowls
Manufacturer: Restaurants, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc. 
Est. Price: $7-$15*

Acai berries have been the “it food” the past few years. These berries have some impressive health benefits, as they are a source of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. These contribute to your heart, brain, and overall health. Acai bowls are a common sight on restaurants’ breakfast menus, as these bowls have yogurt and a helping of the superfood fruit.

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 Acai Bowls ©Signe Leth / Shutterstock.com

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Be careful about acai bowls, especially ones that have been commercially prepared, as they are often high in sugar and calories. Though packed with antioxidants, these bowls can have anywhere from twenty-one to sixty-two grams of sugar per serving. 

101. Maple Syrup
Manufacturer: Aunt Jemima, Great Value, Market Pantry, and more 
Est. Price: $7-$9 per bottle* 

Maple syrup is a delicious way to top pancakes, waffles, or French toast. As yummy as it is, keep your maple syrup consumption to a minimum, as this topping contains fourteen grams of sugar per tablespoon. That’s an extremely high sugar content for such a low amount.

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 Maple Syrup ©Cindy Creighton / Shutterstock.com

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Maple syrup has all the sugar with no fiber content to mitigate it. This means that people with diabetes or insulin resistance should avoid maple syrup, as it can cause blood sugar and insulin volatility. Though maple syrup might be marginally healthier than refined sugar, it is still a food you should not eat everyday. 

102. Pretzels
Manufacturer: Auntie Anne’s, Rold Gold, Nabisco, Federal Pretzel Baking Company 
Est. Price: $3-$6 per bag* 

Pretzels are often a go-to snack for anyone who wants a quick taste of something carbohydrate-filled and salty. Though pretzels only have one gram of fat per serving, that doesn’t mean that they’re a good snack choice.

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 Pretzels ©Esin Deniz / Shutterstock.com

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They are refined carbs, which means they offer little to no nutritional value. Also, pretzels are very salty. Just ten of them can give you more than half of the sodium you need each day. Too much sodium can lead to greater water retention, which in turn can cause bloating and puffiness. Of course, too much salt, in general, can even lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. 

103. Bottled Smoothies
Manufacturer: Naked, Evolution, Suja, Splendid Spoon 
Est. Price: $3-$5 per bottle* 

Smoothies have a reputation of being healthy, and we’re not sure why. Though they might be made with fruit, which is technically a healthy food, that doesn’t mean that everything else that goes into smoothies is quite as healthy. The number-one problem with these drinks is their sugar content.

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 Bottled Smoothies ©Doris Heinrichs / Shutterstock.com

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Bottled or unbottled, smoothies are often high in sugar. While you might get calcium, potassium, fiber, and other minerals from the fruit used, you’re also getting a high dose of refined sugar. For example, a bottle of Naked’s Green Machine juice has fifty-three grams of sugar and sixty-three grams of carbs.  

104. Pepperidge Farm Cookies
Manufacturer: Pepperidge Farm 
Est. Price: $3.18 per 6oz. bag of Milano cookies* 

Pepperidge Farm is one of the most popular cookie-makers out there. Their Double Chocolate Milano cookie is perhaps the most famous sweet that they offer, and they sell people on the cookies because they are baked with “real, kitchen pantry ingredients.”

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 Pepperidge Farm Cookies ©Roman Tiraspolsky / Shutterstock.com

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As with any snack food, these cookies should be consumed in moderation. One bag of Milano Milk Chocolate Cookies has fifty-five grams of sugar. Though there are sugar-free versions of Pepperidge Farm cookies, they still are high in carbohydrates and white flour. Also, sugar substitutes, when eaten in high quantities, can wreak all sorts of havoc on your stomach.   

105. Soybean Oil
Manufacturer: Bunge Limited, DuPont, LDC, Wilmar 
Est. Price: $8.70 per ton* 

Soybean oil is the most widely-consumed oil in America. That is bad news for Americans, as, according to Science Daily, oil leads to a lot of problems. Not only can soybean oil consumption cause obesity, which in turn can lead to diabetes, but soybean oil can also affect neurological conditions.

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 Soybean Oil ©Anda Audy / Shutterstock.com

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If you have ailments like depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism, soybean oil can make these problems worse. Though soybean oil has omega-3 fats and Vitamin E, you can easily take supplements of these nutrients, rather than eat foods packed with all of the unhealthy stuff that soybean oil has to offer.

106. Croissants
Manufacturer: Jimmy Deans, Pillsbury, Starbucks 
Est. Price: $4-$6 per pack* 

Croissants are the epitome of an empty-calorie food. While they’re great with a cup of coffee every once in a while, keep the croissant consumption to a minimum. Croissants are a hefty source of saturated fat, as the amount of butter that is used to make its flaky goodness causes it to be packed full of bad fats.

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 Croissants ©nelea33 / Shutterstock.com

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In a croissant, you’ll find more than 40% of the recommended limit of saturated fats. Croissants are even higher in calories than white bread, and they have less fiber content, too. This junk food is only best as an occasional treat.

107. Deli Meats
Manufacturer: Applegate, Boar’s Head, Hillshire Farm
Est. Price: $5-$10 per pound* 

Processed meat is always going to be a no-no. When we say “processed,” we are referring to meat that has been modified to extend its shelf life and/or improve its test. There are quite a few methods of meat processing, and they include salting, fermentation, curing, smoking, and more.

 
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 Deli Meats ©Olga Nayashkova / Shutterstock.com
 
 
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Deli meats are a classic example of processed meat, as they have been modified to have a longer shelf life than regular meat. Deli meats tend to have large amounts of saturated fat, as well as a high dose of sodium. Both saturated fat and sodium have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and, of course, obesity.

108. Waffles
Manufacturer: Eggo, Kashi, Nature’s Path, 365 
Est. Price: $4-$8 per box* 

When you think of waffles, you might think of the classic Eggo yellow boxes. Though waffles are delicious, they should not be your go-to breakfast food every day. While it’s true that more and more waffles are being made with whole grains, they still can be high in sugar and white flour, neither of which are healthy for you.

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 Waffles ©Vezzani Photography / Shutterstock.com

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If you’re ordering a waffle at a restaurant, you run the risk of consuming a ton of sugar. For example, the Belgian Waffle from IHOP has nearly 600 calories, seventeen grams of sugar, and twenty-nine grams of fat. The high sugar content means that you’ll be hungry a short time after eating the waffle—it won’t fill you up the way a nutritious breakfast would.

109. McDonald’s Apple Pie
Manufacturer: McDonald’s 
Est. Price: $0.99*

McDonald’s apple pie is a popular dessert at the fast-food restaurant, and people often incorrectly assume that it is healthy, as it isn’t as calorie-packed as other desserts on the menu. McDonald’s also revamped the pie, giving it better numbers than the old version. The new pies have less saturated fat than the old ones.

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 McDonald s Apple Pie ©Ekahardiwito / Shutterstock.com

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However, there are still six grams of saturated fat and 240 empty calories in the apple pies. There are also sixteen grams of sugar. While that isn’t as bad as a small chocolate shake (74 grams of sugar), it’ll still spike your blood sugar. 

110. Crackers
Manufacturer: Ritz, Club, Town House, Cheez-It, Nabisco 
Est. Price: $3-$6 per box*

WebMD listed crackers as some of the “worst snacks” you can eat. When you’re feeling hungry, you might feel tempted to reach for a box of crackers and dig in. However, that won’t stave off your hunger as well as a snack with a high fiber and/or protein content.

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 Crackers ©Dmitriev Mikhail / Shutterstock.com

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Crackers are low in fiber, and they don’t give you an energy boost. They are also high in sodium, which means that they can make you feel bloated after you eat them. According to Eat This, some of the worst crackers on the market at the Nabisco Wheat Thins Originals, as they are actually quite unhealthy, despite having “Wheat” in the title. 

111. Jam
Manufacturer: Smuckers, Polaner, Briermere Farms, Market Pantry 
Est. Price: $2-$7 per jar*

Jams and jellies are some of peoples’ most favorite condiments. They’re particularly good when added to a bagel or a piece of toast. According to Statista, Americans’ favorite jam is strawberry, and nearly 164 million Americans consume strawberry jam every year.

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 Jam ©Iren_natty / Shutterstock.com

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Homemade jams are often healthier for you than the off-the-shelf brands, as they are at least made without preservatives. But, jams and jellies have high sugar contents, as well as trans fats. This can lead to inflammation, weight gain, cavities, and heart problems. Eating jam every morning for breakfast can even, because of the sugar content, increase your risk for Type II diabetes.  

112. Canned Soup
Manufacturer: Progresso, Campbell’s, Trader Joe’s, Wolfgang Puck, Amy’s Organic
Est. Price: $1-$5 per can*

Your body does need at least a small amount of sodium to function, but many Americans eat way too much. Too much sodium causes you to retain fluid, which can cause higher blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for deadly diseases like stroke, heart failure, and heart attack.

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 Canned Soup ©calimedia / Shutterstock.com

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If you’re keeping tabs on your sodium intake, canned soup will not be your friend. Though a delicious meal every once in a while, these foods can be sky-high in salt. Some cans even have as much as 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half your daily recommended intake. 

113. Muffins
Manufacturer: Little Bites, Krusteaz, Otis Spunkmeyer
Est. Price: $2.50 per box of Little Bites*

Muffins have a reputation as a great breakfast food. While they go well with a cup of coffee, you’d be wise not to make them into your daily breakfast. Muffins are often high in calories, refined flour, and added sugar. Making homemade muffins is a way that you can ensure the ingredients are healthier, but, even then, you should make them only an occasional treat.

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 Muffins ©zoyas2222 / Shutterstock.com

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Store-bought muffins are the biggest health culprits, as many contain more than 400 calories per muffin. For example, a chocolate-chip muffin from Dunkin’ Donuts contains forty-nine grams of sugar and eighty-five grams of carbohydrates.

114. Barbecue Sauce
Manufacturer: Sweet Baby Ray’s, Kraft, Jones, Stubb’s, King’s 
Est. Price: $4-$10 per bottle*

Barbecue sauce is often peoples’ favorite go-to when it comes to seasoning chicken and beef. After all, the taste is smoky and sweet, and it brings back memories of summer picnics and the Fourth of July. However, be careful how much BBQ sauce you eat.

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 Barbecue Sauce ©HandmadePictures / Shutterstock.com

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Bottled barbecue sauce isn’t usually all that healthy. For example, Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Barbecue Sauce comes with sixteen grams of sugar, fifteen of which are added. Luckily, more and more bottled sauces are being made with less sugar, and there are even brands that make sugar-free BBQ sauce. Make sure you’re reading the back of bottles’ labels before purchasing. 

115. Deep-Fried Foods
Manufacturer: Various restaurants, especially fast food joints 
Est. Price: $10-$20 per meal*

The way that deep-fried foods are prepared is what makes them so bad for you. These foods are prepared in super-high temperatures using vegetable oil. Vegetable oil has a lot of trans fats to begin with and, when it is heated, it only increases those toxins.

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 Deep Fried Foods ©Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com

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Trans-fat is the worst kind of fat you can eat, and deep-fried foods are some of the biggest carriers of trans fats. Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol while lowering your good cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease—American adults’ number-one killer. Avoid deep-fried foods, and, instead try baking the food in the oven or air-frying it with no oil.

116. Bacon
Manufacturer: Smithfield, Jimmy Dean’s, North Country, Hatfield  
Est. Price: $4-$7 per pack*

In America, people believe that everything is better with bacon. While bacon isn’t the horrifically unhealthy food that it has been portrayed as, it’s certainly not a health food. There are high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives in bacon, which makes it a food you should eat in strict moderation.

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 Bacon ©Andrey Starostin / Shutterstock.com

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Foods with these toxins can cause high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. The typical serving size of bacon is small, but people often eat way more than they should. The serving size is usually one or two pieces, but it’s not unheard of for people to double, triple, or even quadruple that in just one meal.

117. Doughnuts
Manufacturer: Krispy Kreme, Entenmann’s, Dunkin’ Donuts 
Est. Price: $0.99-$3 per doughnut*

Grabbing a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts is the preferred start to the day for a lot of Americans. However, these fried pastries will cost you anywhere from 250 to 550 calories. While that isn’t the main problem, it’s still more than you want to consume for such a nutrient-empty food.

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 Doughnuts ©AlexeiLogvinovich / Shutterstock.com

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The real issue with donuts is what makes them delicious in the first place: their sugar content. There is anywhere from fifteen to thirty grams of sugar in a donut, which causes your body to have to pump out insulin to fix it. This causes a blood sugar spike that leads to a huge sugar crash by lunchtime. 

118. Cream Cheese
Manufacturer: Philadelphia, The Laughing Cow, Dutch Farms, Prairie Farms 
Est. Price: $3.98 per 16oz. pack of Philadelphia*

Cream cheese is pretty versatile. You can put it on almost anything, from a bagel to celery to cake. Cream cheese is high in Vitamin A, and it does not have a lot of lactose, which can raise your heart disease. However, cream cheese isn’t a healthy food, per se.

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 Cream Cheese ©Gamzova Olga / Shutterstock.com

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The topping is low in protein, and it is usually high in calories and fat. In an eight-ounce serving of Philadelphia cream cheese, one of the most popular brands in America, there are two grams of protein and ten grams of fat. Whipped cream cheese, by contrast, is often lower in both calories and fat. So, if you have to pick, go with whipped.

119. Frozen Entrées
Manufacturer: Lean Cuisine, Amy’s, Michelina’s, Healthy Choice, Smart Ones, Bob Evans  
Est. Price: $5-$15 per entree*

According to the Cleveland Clinic, frozen meals can be notoriously bad for you. They are often high in saturated fat and sodium, and some of the worst ones have as much as 7000 grams of sodium and four or five grams of saturated fat. It is best to keep the sodium in your frozen meals under 600 milligrams and choose meals with as little saturated fat as possible.

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 Frozen Entrées ©TonelsonProductions / Shutterstock.com

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WebMD found that there are healthy frozen meal options out there, including Smart Ones Rigatoni with Broccoli and Chicken, Healthy Choice Mushroom Roasted Beef, Gardenburger Meals Meatless Glazed Chicken, and Micheline’s Lean Gourmet Chicken Alfredo Florentine.

120. Charred Meats
Manufacturer: Various restaurants and fast food joints 
Est. Price: $15-$30 per meal*

Charred meat, for whatever reason, is a huge hit with some people. Charred meats contain a lot of toxins that you don’t find in even the unhealthiest of foods. Recent government reports and studies, according to Cooking Light, have found that meats charred over a live fire can contain harmful carcinogens (a cancer-causing agent).

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 Charred Meats ©Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com

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Science Focus found that charred foods can also develop polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines. But, the most concerning carcinogen is acrylamide, which is a compound that has been linked to nerve damage and cancer. Choose baked over charred, when it comes to meat. 

121. Drive-Thru Fast Foods
Manufacturer: McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, In-N-Out, and more  
Est. Price: $5-$15 per meal*

We all know by now that fast food is bad for us. Sure, it’s convenient to go through the drive-through and pick up a burger and fries or a bucket of chicken, but these splurges can have real consequences if they’re done too often. Fast food has little to no nutrients.

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 Drive-Thru Fast Foods ©Aladdin Studio / Shutterstock.com

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These foods, whether they’re from Taco Bell or Burger King, tend to contain saturated fats, trans fats, high sugar and salt content, and a ton of processed ingredients and preservatives. Chances are, within an hour after you eat your fast food meal, you’ll feel hungry once again. 

122. Granola
Manufacturer: Bear Naked, Nature Valley, Quaker, Cascadian Farms, Kellogg’s, Heartland 
Est. Price: $4-$10 per bag*

Granola has its nutritional benefits, and it can be quite filling, as it often contains whole grains and fiber. Though we wouldn’t say that granola is unhealthy, it is definitely a food whose labels you want to read closely. A lot of varieties of granola have excess sugar and high calories, which can be harmful to your health.

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 Granola ©almaje / Shutterstock.com

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Choose granola with whole ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and raisins, which are high in fiber and protein. Don’t be swayed by “low-fat” labels, either. For example, Heartland Low-Fat Granola Cereal has little fat, but it contains ten grams of sugar in each serving. 

123. Cinnamon Rolls
Manufacturer: Cinnabon, Pillsbury, Meijer, Annie’s Organic, Rhodes 
Est. Price: $12.99 for four rolls from Cinnabon*

A cinnamon roll is one of the most common sweet pastries in America. While we all love the sweet smell of passing by a Cinnabon, cinnamon rolls are best reserved for an occasional treat. These rolls are high in carbs and sugar, with the average bun containing seventeen grams of sugar and thirty-two carbs (and that’s not even counting the sweet icing).

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 Cinnamon Rolls ©NoirChocolate / Shutterstock.com

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There are also sixteen grams of fat in the average cinnamon roll, eight of which are saturated and 0.1 of which is trans. Vitamin-wise, cinnamon rolls are pretty dismal, with only a tiny bit of iron, calcium, and magnesium to their name. 

124. Onion Rings
Manufacturer: Sonic, Whataburger, Culver’s, Dairy Queen Grill, Carl’s Jr., A&W 
Est. Price: $2-$4 per side*

Onion rings are often a substitute for French fries, which we all know aren’t good for you. Just because they’re a substitute does not mean that onion rings should be a go-to side. These fried onions are almost identical in nutritional value to French fries.

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 Onion Rings ©Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com

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As a side in chain restaurants, the average serving of onion rings contains four-hundred calories, eight grams of saturated fat, twenty-two grams of fat, and a whopping 726 milligrams of sodium. Stack even went so far as to deem onion rings even “worst than French fries.” Consider substituting a side of vegetables instead. 

125. Fruit Jelly Cups
Manufacturer: Trenton Trending, others
Est. Price: $9.99*

As you may imagine, the nutritional value of fruit jelly cups isn’t exactly ideal. They are very high in sugar and are often made with artificial flavorings and colorants that aren’t usually recommended as a part of a healthy diet. But that’s not even the worst part of that candy.

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Jelly cups have been banned in a few countries because they are a choking hazard due to their shape and size. They can be particularly dangerous for younger children, so there are more than enough reasons to leave them out of your table.

126. Canned Sardines
Manufacturer: Great Value, others
Est. Price: $0.88*

Canned sardines are a great choice when you need a quick bite. They are high in protein, which helps you maintain your muscle mass, and they contain calcium and omega-3. However, even if they are relatively healthy, they also have some disadvantages you need to know.  

 
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To can the sardines, some companies use materials containing BPA, which can be toxic and has been linked to cancer, diabetes, and infertility. If you are going to eat canned sardines, you can avoid this problem by making sure that the product you buy has quality packaging. 

127. Turmeric
Manufacturer: McCormick, Great Value, others
Est. Price: $1.98*

Turmeric is one of the essential spices in Indian cuisine. Lately, it has also become quite popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it also has some disadvantages that you may not know, but should be aware of. 

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Ironically enough, despite being an anti-inflammatory, if eaten in large quantities, turmeric can cause bloating. There have also been cases of people who can get diarrhea, headaches, and nausea after overeating it. If you plan to include it in your diet, make sure you eat it moderately!

128. Sweet Potato
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: $1.02*

Sweet potatoes have become increasingly popular during the last two decades. In fact, between 2000 and 2014, sweet potato consumption has increased by 80 percent! Many people have spoken about the benefits of this tuberous vegetable, but do you know the risks that come with eating it?

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Sweet potatoes can provoke allergic reactions such as headaches, itchiness, or nausea in some people. Apart from that, if overeaten, they can spike blood sugar levels. Even if they are healthy root vegetables, you should eat them as a part of a varied diet and not as your primary source of nutrients.

129. Soy Sauce Marinated Eggs
Manufacturer: Great Value, Kikkoman, others
Est. Price: $6*

Soy sauce marinated eggs have gained popularity over the past few months. The reason? They are a key component of ramen, which has also become one of the favorite dishes of foodies worldwide. But what about their nutritional content? Are these eggs as healthy as they are delicious?

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Excessive consumption of eggs has been linked to increased cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition to that, eating many eggs has also been associated with higher risks of prostate cancer. If you cook eggs, marinate them in soy sauce, throw them in a bowl of ramen and eat it, you’ll probably be consuming a very high amount of sodium. This dish may be a good treat, but you probably shouldn’t make it a staple in your diet.

130. Leafy Greens
Manufacturer: N/A
Est. Price: $2.08 to $4.98*

Who would have thought that even leafy greens may pose a risk to your health? Even if spinach, kale, chard, and arugula are some of the healthiest foods out there, they may not be entirely harmless if you consume them carelessly. So how can these foods be damaging to your health?

 
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The main problem is not the leaves themselves but what sticks to them. These leafy greens are often full of pesticides, bacteria, and dirt. Luckily, you can solve this problem by washing the leaves carefully and disinfecting them. If you make sure the leaves are nice and clean, you can eat leafy vegetables every single day without any issues. 

131. Coconut Oil
Manufacturer: Nutiva, 365, NOW Foods, Trader Joe’s, and more 
Est. Price: $7-$15*

Coconut oil has often made headlines as the must-have health food. Compared to vegetable oil, it is healthier, but the Mayo Clinic warns that it has been shown to elevate your cholesterol levels, both good and bad. Coconut oil has more than fourteen grams of saturated fat per serving, making it easy to overdo it.

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