7 Superfoods That Aren’t as Healthy as You Think

Think twice before reaching for these so-called superfoods—some are hiding more sugar, fat, and calories than you'd expect!

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 3 min read
7 Superfoods That Aren’t as Healthy as You Think
Eiliv Aceron from Unsplash

Not every superfood is as wholesome as it appears—some are hiding behind added sugars, bad fats, and empty calories that will sabotage your diet. From sweet acai bowls to deceptively named veggie chips, these trendy favorites have health halos that aren’t quite living up to their nutrition labels. Discovering the truth about these foods can enable you to make wiser, more well-rounded decisions for optimal health.

1. Agave Syrup

Image from iHerb Image from iHerb

Typically sold as a healthy sweetener compared to sugar, agave syrup contains high levels of fructose—sometimes as high as 90%! Too much fructose leads to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and more belly fat. Although lower on the glycemic index, it’s best to use this sparingly, too.

2. Coconut Oil

Image from Healthline Image from Healthline

Coconut oil is extolled for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), yet it’s more than 80% saturated fat. Daily use can elevate LDL or bad cholesterol levels, which means heart disease risk increases. Eating in small portions is okay but not the wonder oil it’s made out to be.

3. Acai Bowls

Image from Dinner at the Zoo Image from Dinner at the Zoo

These healthy-looking Instagram bowls are usually loaded with added honey, granola, and sweetened fruits containing sugar. One serving can contain more than 500 calories and raise your blood sugar levels. Use unsweetened bases and monitor your toppings to maintain the healthiness of it.  

4. Almond Milk

Image from Stephanie Lee Nutrition Image from Stephanie Lee Nutrition

Although low in calories, commercial almond milk contains only a few almonds and is filled with water, sugar, and additives such as carrageenan, which has been linked to digestive problems. Nutritionally, it’s not as rich as it tastes, providing scant protein or healthful fat. For a healthier alternative, opt for unsweetened, fortified varieties.

5. Veggie Chips

Image from Stephanie Kay Nutrition Image from Stephanie Kay Nutrition

Just because they contain vegetables does not necessarily mean they are healthy. Most vegetable chips are fried and contain as much fat and salt as regular potato chips. If you have a craving for crunch, try air-dried or baked ones with low sodium.

6. Protein Bars

Image from iHerb Image from iHerb

Most protein bars are candy bars in disguise, filled with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods. Some contain more calories and sugar than a chocolate bar, defeating their health halo. Always read the label and choose bars with few whole-food ingredients.

7. Dried Fruit

Image from Wikipedia Image from Wikipedia

Dried fruit sounds healthy but often comes with added sugars and preservatives. Plus, it’s easy to overeat since the water content is removed, making the calories and sugar more concentrated. Stick to unsweetened varieties and watch portion sizes to avoid a sugar overload.

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

Recommended for You

20 Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

20 Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet is a powerhouse of health benefits, fueling your body with nutrient-dense, delicious foods that support everything from heart health to environmental sustainability.

7 Essential Vitamins and Minerals You Might Be Missing

7 Essential Vitamins and Minerals You Might Be Missing

Discover the seven essential vitamins and minerals you might be missing—and how simple foods like salmon, spinach, and avocados can supercharge your health and energy!