8 So-Called ‘Health Foods’ That Aren't As Healthy As You Thought

If you’re on a quest to eat a nutritious diet, you likely know that fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are some of the best foods to incorporate. But beyond that, it gets tricky, especially when you’re talking about packaged foods.

The confusion stems from the fact that some packaged foods make claims — like low-sugar, high-fiber, plant-based or organic — that seem to suggest healthfulness. However, dietitians say these items are sometimes not actually nutritious.

“Many of these terms give the packaged food a health halo, but when you look closer at the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel, it may reveal that it is not a nutritious choice after all,” explained Sherie Nelson , a registered dietitian and wellness director of Elinor North America.

These foods might not contain as many nutrients as you’d expect or are packed with ingredients that you’ve never heard of and can’t pronounce, potentially suggesting they’re ultra-processed foods, she explained.

However, some health claims on product packaging are necessary. Ro Huntriss , a registered dietitian and chief nutrition officer of the wellness platform Simple, told HuffPost that if you have celiac disease, for instance, it’s crucial to know that something is gluten-free. Or a vegan label is helpful on items you might not realize are free from animal products.

While dietitians caution about labeling any food as good or bad, it’s important to note that some packaged foods might not be as healthy as you think. Here are some things you should know.

What to know about common health claims on packaged foods

The Food and Drug Administration does regulate many “buzzwords” on food packaging, explained Brookell White , a registered dietitian at health and