In the age of health-conscious eating, many shoppers are filling their baskets with items labelled “low-fat,” “wholesome,” or “natural,” believing they’re making smart choices. But according to experts from Optimal You, a leading UK-based weight loss clinic, many of these seemingly healthy options are not as beneficial as they appear, and some could be doing more harm than good.

“These foods often come with a health halo,” a spokesperson from Optimal You explains. “But clever marketing can disguise the fact that they’re loaded with added sugars, refined oils, and empty calories.” The end result may be stalling weight loss or even causing unintended weight gain, all while leaving you wondering what went wrong.

One common culprit is granola. Long considered a nutritious breakfast staple, granola often hides a high sugar and fat content under its oat-filled image.

A single cup of some supermarket brands can clock in at over 400 calories, with sugar levels rivalling those of a chocolate bar.

“Granola sounds healthy, oats, nuts, fibre, but when it’s packed with honey, syrup, and oils to boost flavour and shelf life, it becomes more of a dessert than a breakfast,” the expert said.

The same goes for items like flavoured yoghurts, protein bars, and even some fruit juices, which are often sold as healthy alternatives but can deliver a hit of sugar and calories that your body doesn’t need.

“If it needs flashy branding to convince you it’s good for you, it probably isn’t,” the Optimal You expert added.

Instead, the expert advises choosing whole, minimally processed foods.

Swap granola for plain oats topped with fresh fruit and a few nuts. Choose Greek yoghurt without added sugar, and drink water or herbal tea instead of juice.

To truly support your health and weight goals, ignore the marketing and read the labels.

“Your body will thank you for fuelling it with real, nourishing food,” said the Optimal You team. “And you’ll start seeing results faster, without the frustration.”