Popular Health Foods That Are Actually Junk in Disguise

Lisette Marie

17. Bottled Iced Teas (Sweetened): Liquid Sugar Overload

Summer drink Iced tea. Photo Credit: Envato @ipolly80

Tea, especially green or black, is packed with beneficial antioxidants. However, many popular bottled iced teas are essentially tea-flavored sugar water. A single bottle can contain a staggering amount of added sugar, sometimes exceeding the daily recommended limit in one go. This negates any potential health benefits from the tea itself. Always check the nutrition label for added sugars, or better yet, brew your own tea at home and enjoy it unsweetened or with a minimal amount of natural sweetener.

18. Flavored Plant-Based Milks: Sweetened Substitutes

Flavorful strawberry milk shake on the marble background. Photo Credit: Envato @13people

Plant-based milks (almond, oat, soy, rice) can be great dairy alternatives, but flavored versions – like vanilla, chocolate, or even some "original" varieties – often contain significant amounts of added sugar to enhance taste. This can turn a seemingly healthy swap into a sugary beverage, similar to flavored cow's milk or even soda. Always reach for the "unsweetened" versions of plant-based milks to get the benefits without the unnecessary sugar load, checking the nutrition facts panel carefully.

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17. Bottled Iced Teas (Sweetened): Liquid Sugar Overload

18. Flavored Plant-Based Milks: Sweetened Substitutes

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