Popular Health Foods That Are Actually Junk in Disguise

27. Vitamin-Enhanced Waters: Just Sugary Water?

Marketed as a step up from plain water, these colorful beverages often promise added vitamins and antioxidants. Unfortunately, many contain significant amounts of added sugar (sucrose, fructose) or artificial sweeteners. The small amounts of vitamins added are typically ones readily available in a balanced diet, making the "enhancement" negligible for most people. You're often better off drinking plain water and getting your nutrients from whole foods, avoiding the unnecessary sugar or artificial additives.

28. Processed Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Not Always Healthier

While reducing meat intake can be beneficial, not all plant-based alternatives are created equal. Many popular faux burgers, sausages, or nuggets are ultra-processed products high in sodium, refined oils, binders, and artificial ingredients designed to mimic meat's texture and flavor. While they can be useful transition foods, relying heavily on them might not be healthier than choosing lean, unprocessed protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, or lean poultry/fish if you eat them.