At the supermarket, when we find ourselves among shelves full of products, it is not always easy to understand what we are really buying. Labels that say “organic,” “sugar-free” or “rich in protein” can make a great impression, but they often tell only part of the actual composition of the product.
The French magazine returns to this topic 60 Millions de Consumersaccording to which some product categories deserve particular attention because they are often perceived as “healthy” when in reality they may contain numerous additives and industrial ingredients. Among these, the main examples are plant-based meat substitutes and plant-based drinks.
But not only that, other foods commonly considered healthy are often ultra-processed and contain ingredients that would be better avoided. Here is an overview of the main products to pay attention to.
Veggie steaks and burgers
These meat substitutes promise a better nutritional profile and often score well in the Nutri-Score. It should be considered, however, that they are almost always classified NOVA 4, the maximum level of ultra-processing according to the system developed by the University of São Paulo. This means they contain many industrial ingredients and additives that you would never find in a home kitchen. We are talking about isolated proteins, modified starches and flavourings, ingredients that make them very distant from “real” food.
Vegetable drinks
Whether they are based on almonds, oats, soy or rice, plant-based drinks are now present in almost all supermarkets and are often considered a healthier alternative to cow’s milk. However, according to data from Open Food Facts, almost all of these drinks fall within NOVA 4, and are therefore ultra-processed products.
This is due to the added ingredients: thickeners and stabilizers such as carrageenan, guar gum or other vegetable gums which are used to make the product denser and more uniform, as well as flavorings and sugars which complete the composition, improving the taste but making the drink less natural.
Sweet snacks and “healthy” biscuits
Organic or wholemeal biscuits, bars and snacks may seem like a balanced choice, but they contain added sugars, refined vegetable oils and industrial flavourings. Even when they declare the absence of palm oil, the number of ingredients and the level of processing still place them among ultra-processed products.
Breakfast cereals
Whole grains or vitamin-fortified cereals are often sold as healthy for children and adults. However, many contain high levels of sugar, maltodextrins and artificial flavors, as discovered by several tests, including Italian ones.
Savory snacks and crackers
Organic or “no added salt” crackers, chips and salty snacks may include modified starches, refined oils and flavors, making them ultra-processed. Although labeled as “light,” they often have a high sodium and industrial fat content.
Always read the labels
All we have to do is always read labels carefully and prefer fresh or minimally processed foods. Here are some practical indications:
