Health experts warn against misleadingly healthy food products

Nutrition experts are cautioning consumers that several foods marketed as healthy may not provide the expected nutritional benefits or could negatively impact metabolic health.

Registered dietitian Jessica Cording notes that certain plant-based meats can be high in sodium and additives, potentially leading to deficiencies in protein, iron, vitamin D, and calcium. She also questions the value of fat-free cheeses, which often rely on thickeners and additives to maintain texture, making them less satiating. Other products identified include diet sodas, light yogurts, and frozen yogurts.

Functional medicine expert Carlos Jaramillo highlights that fruit juices can be problematic because the removal of fiber causes fructose to enter the bloodstream rapidly, taxing the liver and increasing insulin resistance. Additionally, he warns against sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners—such as maltitol, erythritol, aspartame, and acesulfame K—noting they can alter gut flora, increase insulin levels, and contribute to systemic inflammation. Microwave popcorn is also cited as a concern due to specific chemical additives.