Not everything wrapped in a “healthy” label is good for you.
From granola bars loaded with sugar to protein bars that are basically candy in disguise, many so-called healthy snacks can actually sabotage your nutrition goals.
We asked medical and nutrition experts to share the snacks they tell people to skip — and their simple, genuinely healthy alternatives.
Granola Bars Disguise Sugar as Health
One snack often marketed as healthy but may not be is the flavored granola bar. While the packaging may highlight whole grains, fiber, or added vitamins, many of these bars are essentially candy in disguise and include high amounts of added sugars, syrups, and processed oils, with little protein to keep you full.
The result is a quick spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, which can increase cravings and make energy levels less stable.
A better alternative to a granola bar is a handful of nuts paired with a piece of fruit, such as almonds with an apple or walnuts with berries.
This combination provides natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants from the fruit, while the nuts contribute protein and healthy fats that promote satiety and stable blood sugar.
It’s just as portable, easy, satisfying, and genuinely nutrient-dense, making it a more sustainable choice for long-term health and energy.
Edmond Hakimi, Medical Director, Wellbridge
Protein Bars Often Mimic Candy
One snack I often caution patients about is protein bars. While they’re marketed as a healthy, on-the-go option, many are surprisingly high in calories, added sugars, and processed ingredients, sometimes more like a candy bar in disguise than a true healthy food.
For most people, they don’t provide the balanced nutrition they expect and can actually undermine weight management goals.
A better alternative is a simple mix of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or a handful of nuts.
These options deliver protein, fiber, and healthy fats with far fewer hidden calories and additives, while keeping you fuller for longer.
Iva Maja Cvetko, Doctor, AlynMD
Better Snacks, Better Energy
Even foods labeled “natural” or “fit” can hide more sugar and processing than you realize.
Next time you reach for a snack, think in pairs: fruit with protein, or crunch with healthy fat. A handful of almonds and an apple will do far more for your energy than a flashy wrapper ever could.
Simple, whole, and balanced — that’s what real healthy eating looks like.
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