How 'healthy' foods trick you with clever marketing and hidden sugars

Many foods marketed as healthy may be far less nutritious than they seem. Clever branding and selective claims often mislead shoppers into believing they are making better choices. Some popular products hide high levels of sugar, additives, or unhealthy ingredients behind appealing labels. Flavoured yogurts, for example, can contain up to 30 grams of sugar per serving. This amount equals nearly seven and a half teaspoons, making them as sugary as some desserts. Similarly, fruit gummies and packaged juices often boast real fruit benefits but remain high in sugar and low in fibre.

Granola bars, frequently seen as a healthy snack, usually include added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and heavily processed proteins. These ingredients provide little real nutritional value. Energy drinks also pose risks, with a single serving sometimes holding around 200 mg of caffeine.

Products labelled as 'light' or 'diet' often replace removed ingredients with artificial sweeteners or additives that may stimulate appetite. Terms like 'low sugar', 'keto-friendly', or 'high in calcium' focus on one aspect of a product, ignoring its overall quality. Deli meats and processed cold cuts are another example, packed with sodium, preservatives, and even added sugars despite their convenient and protein-rich image. To make genuinely healthy choices, experts recommend prioritising fresh, minimally processed foods. Considering physical activity and seeking professional advice can also help. These steps reduce reliance on misleading marketing and support better long-term health.