98 Of The Most Unhealthy Foods In The World

If you're trying to avoid unhealthy foods, there are certain ingredients to look out for. Things like salt, sugar, and certain types of fat can have serious consequences if they're eaten too often or if they make up too high a percentage of your daily food intake. Other things to avoid include nitrates, processed foods, oily or greasy foods, and additives. NPR reports that ultra-processed foods have risen in popularity, but continue to be linked with serious health consequences. Many harmful elements can make an otherwise healthy food terrible for you, so you really have to be vigilant when reading the nutritional information.

There are also ways of preparing food to avoid, and you can easily cut out some of the most dangerous foods by being aware of a few red flags. For example, it's a good idea to not eat anything that is deep-fried, charred on a grill, or processed to the point that it can come out of a package years later with no significant change. One NIH study lists fast foods and prepared foods as being potentially dangerous, as they contain high calories and little nutrition. The foods that fit into these categories are often some of the worst for your health. In this article, we'll show you exactly what foods you ought to avoid.

An ingredient that finds its way into many foods, butter can be hard to avoid. But for the sake of your health, you may want to consider limiting the amount of butter you eat. Food and diet experts told Eat This, Not That! that the primary issues you'll face with butter are its large amount of saturated fat and high concentration of calories. They point out that over time, eating butter frequently or in large quantities can lead to weight gain or heart disease. So take it easy with the butter to stay healthy.

It can be easy to forget that french fries are just another fried food, and as with other fried foods, are a risky choice for your long-term health. Eat This, Not That! writes that fries are one of the many popular foods that have been labeled as potential carcinogens, meaning they might increase your chances of developing cancer. They also point out, that after you eat potatoes, their starch breaks down into sugar, which is another health risk to consider. Forbes says that due to research that suggests that french fries can increase mortality, we ought to cut back on how often we eat them.

There are so many sugary cereals on the shelves, and so many beloved flavors that it can be hard to pick. But ultimately, they are all very similar in that their sugary, processed ingredients can be harmful. As the UK NHS puts it, cereals high in sugar, salt, or fat can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure, plus they may even contribute to tooth decay. It's kind of shocking that this is the primary breakfast option for many children and that many of us grew up on these sugary cereals. Whether or not you're a grown-up now, it's best to avoid sugary cereal.

Another culprit when it comes to weight gain and cavities is ice cream. It sure tastes sweet, but it might leave a bitter taste in your mouth to know how bad ice cream can be for you. Most ice cream flavors contain high amounts of fat, calories, and sugar. SFGate says that the milk fat content of ice cream will generally range from 10 to 16 percent, with milk fat being a high-cholesterol saturated fat. So be careful, because ice cream is one food that is best eaten in moderation, if at all.

No one should be surprised to know that bacon is not good for you. Bacon can contain a number of harmful chemicals and additives, including nitrates to give it that pink color and help preserve it. The Guardian tells us all this processing leads to a potentially carcinogenic food.

Then there are the nutritional facts. According to Time, just four thick slices of bacon can pack in around 240 calories. That one serving will also contain about 40% of your daily value for sodium and saturated fat. Worse yet, many of us eat several more than four slices in one sitting. If you can, definitely consider cutting back on the bacon.

If you're looking for a food that's packed with saturated fats, sodium, and bad for heart health, look no further than American cheese. Although it is a staple in many sandwiches, American cheese might be one of the worst cheeses for your health. According to Delish, American cheese is so highly processed that it can last six months in the fridge. This cheese is technically less than 50% real cheese and therefore is often called a "cheese product." On top of that, all the sodium and additives can have health consequences in the long term if you eat it frequently.

Most of us have fond childhood memories of Pop-Tarts, but as adults, we've learned that they're not the best food to be eating. These sugary pastries are certainly not the most healthy choice, and so probably not the best good thing to be feeding your kids. According to USA Today, Pop-Tarts are just one of many processed foods that contain a chemical known as TBHQ. This preservative is known to extend the shelf life of foods, but it can also cause harm to the immune system. Insider points out that whether frosted or unfrosted, Pop-Tarts contain around 200 calories each. They don't exactly make you full, either, so it's best to stay away from these toaster pastries.

Swearing off soda can be a really good thing for your bodily health, as one PopSugar writer found out firsthand when she quit for a year. Insider states that soda has been linked to tooth decay, obesity and diabetes, and even depression. Soda is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, which can cause your body to generate more fat and cholesterol and lead to a fatty liver, among many other negative health effects. Giving up a soda habit won't be easy, but CNN recommends choosing alternatives like water or unsweetened tea for the sake of your health.

Are those pudding snack packs we eat with lunch actually really bad for you? HEB lists one Hunt's pudding cup as containing 100 calories and 12g of added sugars, so pudding is definitely not a guilt-free snack. In the olden days, pudding was made with just a few fresh ingredients like milk and cornstarch, but today things are different, as the ingredients list of Hunt's pudding shows that it contains artificial flavorings and preservatives. The CBC points out that some pre-packaged pudding cups contain trans fats, which offer no nutritional value. It may be tasty, but pudding is something you should avoid feeding yourself and your kids.

Whether you go for the processed pancake syrup made with high fructose corn syrup, or the fancy natural maple syrup that costs an arm and a leg, neither one is actually good for you. According to Consumer Reports, 1/4 cup of maple syrup contains about 200 calories and more than 50 grams of sugar, maxing out your entire recommended daily sugar allowance. Because it contains so much sugar, syrup should only be eaten occasionally in moderation. Especially if you eat pancakes and waffles often, you should consider cutting back on the syrup or finding something else to eat that is healthier for you.

Energy drinks like Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar, and more can be really bad for your body. Like sodas, these fall under the category of sugary drinks, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Drinks in this category can lead to issues with heart health, increase weight, and put you at higher risk for diabetes. The Healthy adds that due to the caffeine in energy drinks, they can also lead to dehydration. Be careful not to overdo it with energy drinks, especially if you are one of the people who drink these every day.

For those who love tuna, I have some bad news. Tuna is one fish that is known to contain a good deal of mercury. Depending on the variety, tuna can contain a mean mercury concentration of anywhere from 0.12 to 0.68 PPM (part per million) according to the FDA, and ultimately this can be very harmful to human health. Per LiveScience, mercury poisoning can occur with frequent exposure over time, leading to side effects like tremors, blindness, or even death. It's a good idea to be very careful to avoid eating excessive amounts of fish like tuna because of its mercury content.

Many people are mac & cheese fanatics, but this food can lead to serious health issues if you aren't careful. According to Healthline, mac & cheese is high in fat, sodium, calories, and refined carbs, all of which can contribute to weight gain and other health consequences. It shouldn't come as a surprise that this cheesy pasta isn't exactly a healthy choice, so just make sure not to eat it too frequently. If you find yourself making mac & cheese for every lunch, you might want to incorporate some fresh foods into your diet.

This beloved fair and festival snack may taste amazing, but it is basically terrible for you. ABC News says that one funnel cake can pack 700 calories, taking up a big chunk of your recommended daily caloric intake, plus serving you 40 grams of fat. Aside from containing almost no nutrition, funnel cake has a lot of sugar and is fried in oil. Basically, it's a cake, but even worse than a baked cake in terms of health. Some of the long-term consequences of eating fried foods are weight gain and increased risk of diabetes (via WebMD). So it may be better to just enjoy the smell while you're at the fair rather than indulging in a funnel cake yourself.

It may come as a surprise to learn, but sadly, milk is actually not very good for you. It's potentially even dangerous. Discover Magazine reports that milk has been linked to certain cancers, such as prostate cancer and endometrial cancer. It is high in saturated fat, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and may also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other health consequences. We shouldn't be that surprised, as cow's milk is created for baby cows, not humans. The increasing incidence of lactose intolerance may be a sign that we need to switch to milk alternatives (via BusinessWire).

According to Healthline, maraschino cherries are bleached cherries that are sweetened and preserved in a chemical solution. The processing these cherries go through lowers their natural antioxidants and doubles their sugar content to about 2 grams per cherry. The liquid they're suspended in is usually made with high fructose corn syrup, and their bright red tint comes from Red 40, an artificial coloring that may lead to hyperactivity in children. Although cherries begin as a relatively healthy fruit, once they've been processed and stored in preservatives they lose any health value they once had and become nothing more than another junk food.

Don't get too upset, but it turns out beer is bad for you. It's been linked to arthritis, according to Eat This, Not That, and can have inflammatory side effects like joint aches and swelling. WebMD says beer is also high in calories generally, without making you feel full. Of course, the calories in beer can end up contributing to weight gain if you overindulge. Though you could get a low-calorie beer, even these should be enjoyed only in moderation. Apart from the caloric concerns, overconsumption of alcohol comes with a raft of negative side effects.

If you're planning a day of grilling meat over an open fire, you may want to think twice. Red meat has been shown to be carcinogenic, according to Moffitt Cancer Center. Charring the meat on the grill may increase cancer risk as well. Per SFGate, some compounds in wood smoke are known carcinogens. Studies have linked smoked meats to incidences of other health problems, including stomach infections from E. Coli and elevated sodium that can negatively affect blood pressure. So, before firing up the grill or smoker, you should carefully consider whether the risk is worth it.

It probably won't shock you to know that hot fudge is not exactly a healthy food. In fact, considering that the primary ingredient tends to be corn syrup, it's quite bad for you. Now, most of us are not sitting around chugging hot fudge, but if we were, the consequences could include things like weight gain, a higher potential for diabetes, and elevated intake of saturated fat and sugar. Hershey's says one serving of its hot fudge topping contains 4 grams of saturated fat and 17 grams of sugar. Smucker's hot fudge topping has 4.5 grams of fat and 17 grams of sugar per serving, as well. So there's really no good option here, other than cutting it out of your diet.

Sloppy Joes used to be really popular, but lately, they've fallen off a bit. This is probably a good thing because sloppy Joes are not very good for you. The tomato sauce used in sloppy Joes usually contains a lot of sodium, while the meat is usually ground beef, which has a lot of fat and cholesterol. SFGate states that sloppy Joes can be linked to health consequences like high blood pressure and diabetes. They suggest including beans or fresh vegetables to help you get nutrients if you eat sloppy Joes, but you could instead just choose a healthier meal.

Donuts are basically just flour and sugar made into a dough ring that tends to be deep-fried in oil rather than baked (via Healthline). With a health profile similar to a funnel cake, a donut is not much better than its carnival cousin from a health perspective. It certainly isn't a good choice for breakfast, at least not all the time. Donuts were named as one of the worst breakfast foods by Cleveland Clinic for their high sugar and calorie content. Delish points out that one donut can even contain your entire daily allowance of saturated fat, clocking in at somewhere from 6 to 11 grams in each one depending on where you get it from. The main thing to remember is that a donut is an indulgence and should be consumed sparingly.

Cheese, oil and tortilla are the main components in a basic quesadilla, according to LiveStrong, although sometimes they also contain meat and other ingredients. Just one quesadilla can contain more than 600 calories and 38 grams of fat. You might have thought that they seem pretty harmless, but all the fat and carbohydrates cause quesadillas to be a pretty bad food for your health. Insider suggests using less cheese or substituting a rice wrap for your tortilla to make your quesadilla a bit healthier. As with other unhealthy foods, these are best consumed in moderation.

Before you go and pop a bag of popcorn to eat while watching Netflix, keep in mind what it contains. A bag of Pop Secret butter-flavored popcorn contains about 70% of the daily value for saturated fat and over 40% of the daily value for sodium. All that salt is bad for your health because it can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC. Plus, a bag of buttery popcorn is highly processed and contains a lot of calories, anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per bag, as LiveStrong reports. PopSugar points out that making popcorn at home can be healthier, and get you more food for the calories as well.

Rock candy, also called rock sugar, contains quite a lot of calories. It has 25 calories per teaspoon, which is even more than white sugar, according to LiveStrong. If you've ever made rock candy you know that it is essentially crystallized sugar, although some types contain other additives such as flavorings. Don't be fooled into thinking that there are any health benefits to eating rock candy other than maybe a little stress relief or temporary happiness. It's very bad for your teeth as well, and you'll be making your dentist's life easier if you choose to pass on it.

Hot dogs are one of those mystery meats with somewhat mysterious ingredients. That should be a pretty clear sign that they're not very good for you. Hot dogs are a highly processed food that often contains meat byproducts and trimmings, as well as a number of additives and preservatives, according to Eat This, Not That!. One study covered by USA Today suggests that each hot dog you eat can cut more than 30 minutes off of your lifespan. Hot dogs were the least healthy of the thousands of foods included in the study. There are definitely better options to select as your meal.

For many of us, Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are like heaven on earth. And if you only eat them every once in a while, say once a year, then you're probably fine. But because of the extremely high calorie count of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, they can be quite bad for you if you get them too often. According to the Cinnabon website, just one classic Cinnabon cinnamon roll contains 880 calories, 37 grams of fat, and 61 grams of sugar. This is definitely a diet-buster, and easily one of the worst foods you can eat.

Even if you're not a big fan of french fries and prefer to get onion rings instead, you're really not off the hook. Even if the base is a vegetable, most of the nutritional benefits are voided once it's covered in batter and salt and fried in oil. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, one portion of onion rings will contain more than 400mg of sodium and 15 grams of fat. Also, Prevention says that a serving will have around 600 calories, plus more fat and sugar than french fries. They may be tasty, but in the long run, eating onion rings will cost you.

Pork rinds are made from pig skin that is deep-fried to a crispy consistency. Although they've become a bit trendy with the low-carb crowd, pork rinds still aren't the healthiest snack to munch on. The things that make them the most unhealthy are the sodium high levels of sodium and fat. The salt in particular poses a risk to heart health. According to Healthline, pork rinds have over 1,000 mg of sodium per serving, which is nearly half of the daily recommended limit. LiveStrong says that most of the calories in pork rinds come from fat, some of which is saturated, so if you can find a healthier thing to snack on, you should switch it up.

One of the worst foods for you is imported catfish. This is because it can contain unhealthy contaminants, unlike locally-caught catfish. Imported catfish tends to have dangerous levels of antibiotics. As Good Housekeeping explains, most of the imported catfish in the U.S. is raised in Vietnam, where fish farms use antibiotics that aren't allowed in America. To make matters worse, most imported catfish is not inspected by U.S. authorities once it arrives in the country. So if you're intent on buying catfish, do so at your own risk, but you should at least try to avoid catfish that is brought in from other countries for your safety and health.

Buffalo wings are chicken wings that are fried and covered in a buttery sauce. You're not likely to confuse them with a salad, but just so you know, they're not good for you. LiveStrong lists a standard serving of buffalo wings (which they say is four wings) at somewhere around 330 calories, with an extra 200 or so calories added when you use a dipping sauce like ranch. You should also keep in mind that buffalo wings tend to be high in sodium as well, around 160 mg per six wings, according to Verywell Fit. So, if you're considering ordering a 50-wing plate, consider having fewer so you can make it to the next night out.

Baklava is a Middle Eastern dish or dessert known for its flaky crust and sweet honey flavor. It comes in a number of varieties, often with pistachio, walnut, or other ingredients. You might not think that it's too bad for you as compared with other desserts, but actually, it's quite high in harmful ingredients such as fat and sugar. LiveStrong says that just one slice or serving of baklava can contain more than 200 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 17 grams of sugar. It may taste amazing, but enjoying baklava can come at a cost. Be sure to restrain yourself if you're thinking about going for seconds.

One common ingredient in grilled cheese sandwiches is American cheese, which has already been named as one of the bad foods on this list. Of course, you could use a different cheese to make your grilled cheese healthier, but ultimately, the white bread used in a grilled cheese is also not good. Plus, many people coat their pan with oil or butter, which is another bad ingredient. Grilled cheese is basically a smorgasbord of unhealthy choices.

As Healthline explains, one grilled cheese sandwich can contain around 500 calories and also contains hefty doses of salt and saturated fat. Combine those attributes with the fact that there's very little fiber in this sandwich, and it's obvious that you shouldn't eat these too often.

Potato chips are among the worst foods you can eat because of the high amounts of oil, salt and sometimes even additives they contain. These can be especially bad if you eat them frequently, leading to consequences from excess fat and sodium consumption. LiveStrong explains that one of the reasons potato chips can harm health is that they provide essentially no nutrients. When you eat them, you're just taking in empty calories without any benefits. These calories can cause weight gain. Excessive potato chip eating has also been linked to certain health conditions such as diabetes and cancer (via Healthline).

You might not think about sweetness when you think of bread, but bread actually contains quite a lot of sugar. The high glycemic index of white bread makes blood sugar levels spike after consumption, according to Eat This, Not That!, and this can lead to cardiovascular disease or kidney failure in the long term. Additionally, white bread is known for having bleached flour, and Spoon University points out that the chemicals used in this process can be carcinogenic. With this in mind, you'll want to consider buying a different kind of bread that is less processed, or at least isn't white bread.

Refried beans are a traditional Mexican dish, usually pan-fried with lard and salt, according to Healthline. Lard contains 5 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon, and depending on how the beans were made, they may contain a lot of lard. In other words, that pile of refried beans on your plate could be full of unhealthy fat. Mostly you find refried beans in Mexican dishes, but sometimes they are offered as a side for other types of food. Wherever you find them, be careful not to eat too much or you risk raising your cholesterol levels and potentially your weight.

Whether you're a fan of burgers, steak, or other forms of red meat, you'll want to consider cutting it out, or at least cutting back. Recent studies have shown that some consequences of eating red meat include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even death (via Scripps). With side effects like that, it's no surprise that vegetarian and vegan diets are on the rise as people become more conscientious about their health. The NIH has weighed in on this as well, confirming that substituting healthier foods like nuts and whole grains can lower the risk of death from health conditions associated with red meat consumption.

Cheesecake was given the dubious title of "worst dessert," by Eat This, Not That!. The award isn't a reflection of how cheesecake tastes, but rather just how bad it is for you. The reason it got this designation has to do with its high caloric profile, with one slice of cheesecake often carrying more than 300 calories. Plus, cheesecake is highly processed and usually contains a lot of fat and added sugar, making it a threatening dessert where health is concerned. It can be fine every once in a while, but your body can't take too much, so maybe consider having it only on special occasions.

Jello is well-known to be made from animal gelatin, giving it that signature jiggle. Though it's a fun food many enjoy, it can be bad for you because of all of the sugar and additives it contains. If you're not grossed out about the fact that it's made from animal bones, tendons, and other connective tissue, consider that it offers you very little nutritional benefit (via Healthline). If you like eating jiggly sugar that is swimming in artificial dye, this is great. Otherwise, it's best to avoid it.

One of the worst pasta dishes for health is fettuccine Alfredo. The sauce is essentially butter, cream, salt, and cheese, making it very high-calorie compared to other types of pasta dishes. The Food Network says a serving of traditional fettuccine Alfredo can contain 1200 calories or more, plus 74 grams of fat. Yikes! And remember, that's just one portion. LiveStrong points out that fettuccine Alfredo also contains a lot of carbohydrates; around 88 grams in each serving. Overall, this is not a pasta dish you want to eat very often unless you're carbo-loading for a triathlon.

You may be someone who pours a bit of coffee creamer into your coffee every morning without thinking too much about it. If that's the case, you may want to consider switching it up. Black coffee has fewer calories, plus it doesn't carry the risks associated with coffee creamer. This creamy addition to your morning cup of joe sometimes contains carrageenan, which is known to be a potential carcinogen and can cause gastrointestinal problems, according to SheFinds. Additionally, coffee creamer is often heavily processed and packed with added sugars, as Healthline explains. Why not try going without it some mornings?

Canned ravioli and pasta definitely count as highly-processed foods. The ingredients list for Chef Boyardee canned beef ravioli is long enough to make you a little suspicious. Canned ravioli is a poor choice in part because it contains a whopping 34% of your daily recommended dose of sodium in only 180 calories. It also has some added sugar. There is very little fiber, and not many other nutrients to make this carbohydrate and salt bomb worth adding to your diet.

Churros are another delicious treat that you'll often find at fairs or festivals, and in the moment they can seem like a great choice when you're already having a good time and want to indulge a bit. Just be careful not to make it a habit, because these 200-plus calorie treats are essentially fried dough covered in sugar, much like funnel cake. As the LA Times puts it, churros offer practically no nutrition, and the oil they're fried in is linked to heart disease and other health threats. In short, better not have these too often.

Fondant is the stuff that covers fancy, professionally made cakes, such as wedding cakes. According to Fine Dining Lovers, fondant is mostly just pure sugar with some additives that help stabilize it and give it a smooth texture. Plus, as the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts explains, the type of fondant used by professional bakers frequently contains hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenated oil contains unhealthy trans fats, which you should try to avoid. Fondant is essentially a non-food made of sugar and oil with no redeeming nutritional value.

Canada is known for poutine, an indulgent treat that tourists often buy when they visit to get a taste of the local cuisine. Of course, if you're a Canadian, you may be used to eating poutine. The dish is essentially just gravy and cheese curds fries, and as you might imagine, it's pretty bad for you. CNN says one order of poutine can contain more than 700 calories and 40 grams of fat. The high fat content, plus the excessive amount of salt, makes poutine a food to pass on.

There are quite a lot of options when it comes to buying pork, but sadly all of them carry health risks. Everything from ham, to ribs, and other parts of the pig, are among the worst foods for you to eat. One study has shown a significant link between eating pork and suffering from cirrhosis (via NIH). Another study showed that eating pork liver could transmit hepatitis E to humans (via NIH). With pork products being high in saturated fat, LiveStrong suggests heart disease and cancers are also potential consequences. Pork also can give you a nasty bout of food poisoning or even a parasitic infection if not cooked and handled correctly.

Nacho cheese is so heavily processed that it lasts for years and hardly resembles food when you take it out of its packaging. If you stop to think about it, you may notice that it actually tastes quite salty and doesn't really have much cheese flavor. Ricos nacho cheese sauce contains 4.5 grams of fat and 540 milligrams of sodium, and that's before you add the fat and salt from the tortilla chips you're dipping into it (via Walmart). That's not to mention all of the artificial colors and preservatives that are all present in this unhealthy dip.

Processed salad dressings, such as those from Hidden Valley and other brands, contain a good deal of unhealthy ingredients, including additives and preservatives. According to Taste of Home, some of the unhealthiest salad dressings will contain more than 100 calories per serving, plus around 200 mg of sodium or more. A better choice would be to make your own salad dressing at home, and there are a lot of options that will be lower in calories, additives, and unhealthy ingredients. You can use oil, vinegar, and other ingredients to mix your own perfect blend and avoid the large quantities of sugar and salt found in bottled dressings (via Delishably).

There have been a number of articles and news stories over the years about how bad candy corn is for you. As a Halloween candy, I don't think any of us are really surprised to know that it isn't the healthiest treat. It's primarily corn syrup and sugar, is highly processed, and should definitely be eaten in moderation (via Vox). People are split about whether or not candy corn even tastes good, but the nutrition facts for Brach's candy corn should have us all in agreement that it's not worth eating. Just 15 pieces pack 110 calories and 22 grams of sugar, so try not to eat a whole bag.

Eel is another fish that you should avoid. If this is your go-to for sushi, consider a California roll instead. One NIH study suggests that the elevated mercury levels found in eel could pose a threat to the health of those who consume them. Although tuna sashimi has the highest levels of mercury among sushi options according to HuffPost, eel should still be avoided if you want to ensure that you aren't exposing yourself to potentially dangerous fish products.

Another fried food you should be careful not to eat too much of is mozzarella sticks. These tend to be high in the same things as other fried foods: saturated fat, sodium, and calories. For that reason, eating them too often could put you at risk for health issues such as heart disease and obesity, according to SFGate. Ultimately, if you're going to order these, you should be sure not to overdo it. While fine in moderation, these can have serious consequences if you eat them too much.

Fried rice is one food that you wouldn't normally think of as being too terrible for your health. However, fried rice is cooked in oil, making it high in calories and fat. According to Healthline, most fried rice varieties have upwards of 300 calories and more than six grams of fat per cup. So if you're planning on having fried rice with your dinner, you may want to go with a different option. You could instead have plain brown rice to cut out some of the negative ingredients.

Sausages or one food that is beloved by many, especially when grilling outdoors. While their culinary value is undeniable, they're not the most health-conscious protein choice. Sausages have been shown to increase the risk for some chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to Eat This, Not That!. Sausages are also highly processed and contain a lot of sodium and saturated fat, so they are certainly not a healthy choice as the center of your meal. You could always grill veggies instead.

Granola bars seem to be an innocent enough option until you look at the packaging and inspect the ingredients. These are often the "healthy" snack of choice for people on the go, but the temporary energy could be followed by a crash. Many granola bars are very high in sugar and carbohydrates. They also tend to be highly processed, and some may contain a large amount of fat, sodium, and calories, according to Eat This, Not That!. So although they may help curb your appetite until the next meal, they may not be worth the risk to your health.

Creme brulee is a well-known dessert consisting of a custard base with a toasted layer of sugar on top. The main ingredients are cream, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla (via Saveur). Overall it is a simple dish, but it does contain a large number of calories. This dessert is considered indulgent for a reason; it is very sugary and contains a lot of saturated fat, and therefore should not be eaten very frequently. You could also try whipping up a lighter version, such as the yogurt brulee from Glamour.

Many of us are addicted to certain coffee drinks and can be very particular about the flavors we like. Whether your go-to is french-vanilla or pumpkin-flavored coffee, one thing you should be wary of when you choose a morning pick-me-up is what ingredients are added to it. Flavored coffee tends to be significantly less healthy than plain black coffee. This is because flavorings often contain compounds and chemicals that can have adverse effects. Spoon University warns that some of these chemicals are linked to cancers, while others can even damage your DNA.

Most of us already know this, but just as a reminder, candy bars or one of the worst foods you can eat. Candy bars tend to have a very high level of sugar and fat, plus they are highly processed to make them shelf-stable. As an occasional treat, they can be all right. Just make sure that you don't start eating them every day. Several candy bars contain hundreds of calories, more than a dozen grams of fat, and your entire daily value of sugar (via Yahoo). In addition to potential health issues from sugars and fats, US News & World Report points out that candy bars can also have negative effects on your teeth and may lead to cavities.

Named one of the unhealthiest junk foods in America by Healthline, corn dogs are easily one food that you should try to avoid. Although for some of us they bring back fond childhood memories, they are still a fried food. A corn dog is basically a batter-covered hot dog that has been deep-fried, so you essentially have a bad food within a bad food when you are eating a corn dog. Don't forget that, like many other fried foods, they are high in fat and salt. Combine that with the processed meat in the hot dog, and you have a very unhealthy treat.

Dextrose is a form of sugar that is often found in certain foods, such as those that are packaged or processed. Many food manufacturers will label their products as being "sugar-free" when they instead include dextrose or other hidden sugars. It's sweet but less sweet than other forms of sugar. According to LiveStrong, dextrose is a corn sugar that is used to enhance food flavor and keep from going bad. Dextrose consumption over time can put you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Milkshakes are one of those timeless treats that most of us have enjoyed at some point, but they are unfortunately also very high in calories. Some milkshakes can clock in around 1000 cal, making them take up around half of your recommended daily caloric intake. For that reason, they should really be avoided. Plus, they are very high in sugar and fat, according to Cosmopolitan, though eating a low-fat version is one possible alternative that could be potentially less harmful.

In general, nuts are considered a healthy snack. One exception to this rule of thumb is honey-roasted nuts. These tend to be high in sugar and are more processed than regular nuts, making them a less healthy choice. LiveStrong says that honey-roasted nuts have 2 grams of extra sugar in each ounce as compared to other nut varieties. They also tend to have high levels of fat, according to VeryWell Fit, and are generally a salty food. So if you're craving nuts, try to avoid the ones that are coated in sugar.

Alcohol has unfortunately been linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, as the British Heart Foundation points out. Chronic consumption is especially harmful to your health, so binge drinking or drinking on a daily basis should be minimized. Plus, many alcoholic drinks contain a large number of calories. Even having just a couple of drinks can put you all over the threshold of your recommended daily caloric intake, leading to unwanted weight gain. Additionally, Vox reminds us that drinking alcohol can increase your risk for dangerous accidents, so cutting back will keep you safe and healthy in a number of ways.

Gummy bears are one of those candies that you should definitely avoid. They are among the worst candies you can eat because they are really terrible for your teeth, as Summit Dental Health warns. Their gummy texture causes them to stick to your teeth, leading to tooth decay and other issues. Plus, one of their primary ingredients is sugar, which is not good for you in large amounts. Ultimately, this treat is not as sweet a choice as the sugar would have you believe.

You might think that vegetable chips are a healthy choice, and in comparison to regular potato chips, they do tend to be slightly better when compared side-by-side. However, vegetable chips still contain a high amount of fat, salt, and other ingredients that can be bad for you. Their name can also be a little misleading. As The Healthy reports, fat and salt may make up a higher percentage of your vegetable chips than you would like. Sadly, vegetable chips are not going to be the best item to include on your diet menu.

Molasses is a syrup used in a number of foods as a sweetener, and unfortunately is among the worst foods you can eat. As Tasting Table explains, it is used in foods like baked beans and gingersnaps. It's a byproduct of the sugar refining process. LiveStrong suggests that molasses is functionally similar to white sugar and contains a similar amount of calories per serving. Ultimately, sugar is sugar, and though molasses has some trace nutrients that make it slightly healthier than pure white sugar, it should still only be consumed in small amounts.

Packaged lunch meat tends to be very highly processed and ultimately not good for you. Lunch meats are often high in salt and saturated fat, which can have serious consequences in the long run. The New York Times reports that there is a link between lunch meat consumption and colorectal cancer. According to Cleveland Clinic, lunch meat has been linked to obesity and heart disease as well. They suggest choosing fresh meat over pre-packaged and processed meat.

Some of our most beloved childhood snacks just don't look so good in retrospect. Salt water taffy, for example, is made with sugar, corn syrup, butter, oil, and other ingredients that are not very good for you. Just seven pieces of salt water taffy contain 160 calories and more than 20 grams of sugar, according to VeryWell Fit. Eating these sweets is one way to overdo your sugar intake quickly. Although it tastes good, salt water taffy is not a smart choice if you want to protect the health of your teeth and body.

Fried chicken is one food you should avoid if you can. According to KFC's nutrition guide, the chain's chicken tends to be very high in sodium, calories, and fat. You may think that chicken is healthy, but once you have battered and fried it, whatever health benefit you may have gained will be canceled out. Even with fried chicken tenders you are getting about 500 calories in just one serving, according to VeryWell Fit. As with other fried foods, this one is ultimately bad for you.

Beans by themselves are healthy, but not if they're covered in sugar. Baked beans are yummy, and a part of that delicious flavor comes from all of the sugar and other sweeteners that are added. They tend to be pretty unhealthy because the added sugar could potentially put you at risk for developing heart disease or even type 2 diabetes, according to Healthline. Just one serving can also have quite a lot of sodium from added salt. Plus, they have other additives to be wary of, including those used for coloring.

Artificial sweeteners are arguably no better than consuming sugar when it comes to health. They can cause stomach discomfort and weight gain just as easily as sugar can. You might think that you're doing yourself a favor by avoiding sugar and going for an artificial sweetener instead, but unfortunately, sweeteners have their own downsides. The Healthy says that the artificial sweetener sorbitol is digested especially slowly, and this delayed digestion can lead to bloating and gassiness, plus some extra time on the toilet. If you can skip the artificial sweeteners, it may be for the best.

As you may have guessed, pizza has made the list as one of the worst foods in the world for your health. With the main ingredients being dough, sauce, and cheese, pizza is certainly not a healthy food. Many slices are dripping with oil from the cheese, and this can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. CNN also warns that pizza can be high in sodium and saturated fat in addition to all the calories it contains. Though it may be tasty, pizza is not good for you.

Another type of fish you may want to avoid is salmon, or at least raw salmon. CBC Canada reports that one consumer pulled dozens of parasitic worms called nematodes from her sockeye salmon filet. If these had been ingested raw, as in sushi or poke, they could have caused gastroenteritis or infection. Fortunately, cooking (or freezing at very low temperatures) will kill these pesky parasites. You also might want to steer clear of farmed salmon. Healthline warns that farmed salmon can be contaminated with potentially carcinogenic chemicals, though this issue has improved in recent years.

Bread pudding is a delicious dessert, but it is also chock-full of carbohydrates and sugar. The Food Network says that a classic bread pudding recipe could have 600 calories or more, plus 30 grams of fat in one serving. Thankfully there are ways to make this recipe a bit lighter, by using slightly different ingredients such as low-fat milk or unsweetened bread. If you go with the classic version, this is definitely one of those items that you want to eat in moderation.

Oftentimes, we overlook the sauces we eat when considering our dietary intake, but this can be a mistake. According to VeryWell Fit, just 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce can contain 70 calories and 15 grams of sugar. This is not even counting whatever food the barbecue sauce is coating. Therefore you need to be really careful not to overdo it when you're eating barbecued foods because a surprising amount of your caloric intake will come just from the sauce that your dish is smothered in.

Garlic bread may be delicious, but it is a high-carbohydrate food. It's also slathered in butter and has a high sodium content. So you may be tempted to eat an entire garlic bread loaf, but if you care about your health, you'll want to reconsider. According to The Nest, just one slice of garlic bread can contain 150 calories, which is pretty high for something you're probably eating as a side to a full meal. SFGate suggests cutting back on the carbs by having garlic tortillas or popcorn instead.

It may surprise you to learn that many sports drinks can contain just as much sugar as energy drinks and even sodas. Although their main ingredient is water, sports drinks are hardly healthy. University of Michigan Health says sports drinks offer little nutritional value (even their electrolytes aren't necessary), and because of the added sugar they can actually lead to weight gain. Sports drinks may help with hydration, but considering all the other things they contain, a better choice would be just to drink water.

Fruit snacks are more than a little misleading. They actually contain little to no fruit, but do tend to have quite a lot of sugar. Welch's fruit snacks, for example, have 15 grams of sugar in each pouch. As the Food Network puts it, "Most fruit snacks are nothing more than sugar and dyes." In other words, this is not the healthy snack you might've imagined. You'd be much better off including apple and orange slices or some other fresh fruit rather than these highly processed snacks.

Although most of us do not eat swordfish very frequently, you should consider cutting it out entirely. As one of the larger fish available to purchase, swordfish are high up the food chain and tend to contain quite a lot of mercury, according to PBS. They can also carry dangerous toxins called organochlorines that may be harmful to human health (via WWF). So even if you only have swordfish once or twice a year, you might want to consider choosing an alternative even for those special occasions.

The health benefits and risks of chocolate have been highly debated over the years. However, it's uncontested that most chocolate contains sugar. Unless you're eating very bitter chocolate that is mostly cacao beans, a lot of the chocolate you will find on supermarket shelves is not healthy. The British Heart Foundation says that the sugar and saturated fat found in chocolate can cause weight gain or even heart disease. With this in mind, it's good to remember that chocolate is candy and shouldn't be a dietary staple.

According to Insider, there are a lot of reasons to avoid white rice as a side or complement for your main course. It is highly processed, and Harvard Medical School has suggested that white rice has a similar effect on the body as eating table sugar. It is also bleached, and though it is eaten in high quantities all around the world, it is not as nutritious as other varieties such as brown rice. The main difference is that brown rice still has its outer layer of rice bran and rice germ, so brown rice has more nutrients and is a better choice than white rice overall.

If you've ever tasted beef jerky you should already know that the salty flavor many people love doesn't exactly bode well for health. Beef jerky is highly processed and often contains nitrates to help preserve it for long periods of time. As with other processed meats, these nitrates can contribute to cancer risk. According to LiveStrong, 1 ounce of beef jerky can contain over 1,700 mg of sodium, which is close to your daily limit. If beef jerky is your go-to snack, you ought to consider trying to switch to something healthier.

Although in general fruit is healthy, canned fruit tends to be coated with heavy syrup and can contain a good deal of added sugar. If you examine the nutrition facts, you'll find that canned fruit is often much higher in sugar and calories as compared with fresh fruit. The Food Network says that canned fruits such as pears can have almost twice the calories and sugar as fresh fruits when compared side-by-side. Some of these canned fruits also contain artificial colors, so although they may be a good thing to eat if fresh foods are not an option, you will want to stick with fresh as much as possible

Cake is a tasty treat, and so long as you're only indulging in a small piece of cake on your own birthday, or perhaps a few times a year, you should be fine. But keep in mind that cake is high in sugar and basically contains no nutritional benefits. One Wegmans sheet cake, for example, has more than 300 calories and 30 grams of sugar per slice. LiveStrong suggests that a large portion of the calories and sugar are in the frosting, so going without that topping can make the cake at least a little healthier. You could also consider a birthday fruit salad instead if you want to go for a healthier choice.

Ramen is a type of noodle soup that is notoriously high in sodium. Having a reputation for being unhealthy, it should come as no surprise to learn that the rumors are true. According to Keck Medicine, ramen has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, liver damage, and heart disease, thanks to the sodium and saturated fats it contains. Healthline says ramen is also sometimes packaged with the preservative TBHQ as well as other additive ingredients that may be harmful to health. It might be cheap and easy, but you end up paying for ramen in the long term.

Whether you sweeten your iced tea with sugar or artificial sweeteners, this drink is essentially water and tea, plus sweetener. Sweet tea has many more calories than unsweetened iced tea, around 70 or more per 8-ounce serving (via SFGate). This high caloric value is especially concerning since you can easily gulp down several glasses on a hot day or while casually dining in a restaurant. SheFinds points out that a glass also may have more than 30 grams of sugar. The calories and sugar from sweetened iced tea will add up, potentially leading to increased weight and consequences for your dental health.

Fruit pies are a favorite dessert for many of us. They are also unfortunately very high in sugar, as most desserts are. Fruit pies tend to contain highly-processed fruit fillings that pack in a lot of calories. The Food Network says that one slice will typically have more than 400 calories and could contain hydrogenated oils that are harmful to heart health. Also, these sugar-rich fruit fillings can contribute to tooth decay (via NHS). Many of us tend to pile ice cream on top of our pie slices too, so this one dessert could put you well outside of nutritional guidelines.

Jalapeño poppers are one fried food that you ought to avoid. They tend to be cheese-stuffed jalapeños that are battered, then fried. They are available at some fast-food restaurants like Carl's Jr, where one order has 370 calories and 19 grams of fat. Even if made at home they are not a healthy snack. One recipe from The Spruce Eats actually has worse nutrition facts than the fast-food version, with 392 calories and 29 grams of fat per serving. When you factor in all the saturated fat and oil, jalapeño poppers are quite a risky thing to be eating.

Deviled eggs are for many of us a taste of home. You might confuse these snacks with health food simply because they have hard-boiled eggs as their base. And eggs aren't bad for you, right? However, just one deviled egg can pack a large amount of cholesterol, as well as a high number of calories and loads of sodium. According to LiveStrong, they can also be high in fat, depending on the type of mayo used. If you limit yourself to just one or two, you'll be fine. Just don't go overboard.

Although most of us do not regularly eat shark meat, those who do should reconsider. If you're at a sushi restaurant and see shark as an option, know that it's one of those aquatic animals known for containing high levels of mercury. This high concentration of mercury is often found in large, predatory fish, according to the NRDC, and cannot be removed. CNN warns that ingesting too much mercury can lead to blindness, and in some cases, death. The general consensus is that avoiding shark is best, whether swimming in the water or placing an order on dry land.

Marshmallows are a bit of a mystery food. Most of us have no idea what they're made of, but the basic answer from the Food Network is that they contain sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. They're a bit of a non-food and contain high amounts of sugar without offering much nutritional benefit at all (via VeryWell Fit). So long as you eat them in moderation, you won't do too much damage, but keep in mind that the handful of calories in each one can add up quickly.

Fried Oreos are one of those things that we all know cannot possibly be good for you. Oreos are bad enough, but when you take an Oreo, dip it in batter, and fry it, you're making an already unhealthy food even worse. Of course they taste amazing, but you should eat these very rarely, if ever. They are high in calories, trans fat, and all the other terrible and unhealthy things you find in fried foods. Built Lean says that just five fried Oreos will have nearly 900 calories, 48 grams of fat, and more than 50 grams of sugar. The Baltimore Sun suggests that perhaps we should consider each cookie to be its own serving. With numbers like these, you definitely shouldn't have more than one.

Twinkies are one of those quintessential food items you might think of when you imagine what processed food looks like. These treats from Hostess are so processed, they don't even resemble any other food. They are totally unique, consisting of a cake sponge outer shell, with a white, creamy center. These are basically just sugar, fat, and calories, yet they remain popular, according to The Denver Post. Food Matters calls Twinkies a "health hazard," citing the fact that only five of a Twinkie's 37 ingredients are actually familiar. It's amazing to think that our parents let us eat these as children.

Pepperoni is a pork product typically used as a topping for pizza. It's a cured meat that, according to SFGate, is high in saturated fat, sodium, and nitrates. The publication says that eating pepperoni can lead to high cholesterol and increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. The saturated fat in pepperoni can also lead to cognitive decline and infertility, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. If you can't resist eating pizza, you ought to at least skip this particular topping.

Honey buns are a well-known treat that tend to come in individual packages and are sold inexpensively at grocery stores and gas stations. Many of us love them, but they contain a worrying number of chemicals and additives, some of which are potentially dangerous. CBS News reports that honey buns from Little Debbie contain a chemical called azodicarbonamide, and though it's FDA-approved and considered unharmful, it is also used in the production of yoga mats and shoe sholes. Aside from the chemical controversy, you'd do well to avoid them based solely on the nutrition facts since they are very high in sugar and contain no significant nutritional value (via HEB).

Spam is a processed meat you might recognize for the bright yellow lettering on its signature container. Like the other cured meats on this list, it contains sodium nitrite (via Spam). As a food, it is low in nutritional value, according to Healthline, and has high levels of fat, calories, and sodium that make it a poor choice for a meal. A better move would be to eat fresh meat or even a meat alternative. Spam tends to be pretty cheap to buy but the health costs aren't worth it in the long run.

King mackerel is a type of fish that you should avoid eating. It has been found to be high in mercury and is listed as one type of fish that could be potentially dangerous to eat. The FDA explicitly states that king mackerel should not be eaten at all due to its mercury content. VeryWell Fit points out that any fish can contain small amounts of mercury, but larger ones like king mackerel carry a higher amount and therefore are riskier to eat. King mackerel isn't the most popular choice in America, and we should probably try to keep it that way.

Crunchy package pretzels might not seem too bad for you, but they are a processed food that is high in carbohydrates and sodium. Plus, many of us will just sit and mindlessly eat handfuls of pretzels without considering how much we're going through. According to Healthline, pretzels are best consumed occasionally, as they don't contain many beneficial nutrients and will increase your intake of carbs and sodium. Try to limit your pretzel intake, even if you're at a bar or munching on snack mix.

Whipped cream and other whipped toppings are generally pretty unhealthy. Whipped cream is high in calories and the pre-packaged kinds can contain a number of additives. Just two tablespoons has 100 calories and 10 grams of fat, according to the Food Network. Store-bought whipped topping also tends to be made with hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup, reports Today, ingredients that are often found in other processed foods as well. Though it tastes good, whipped cream is a sugary treat and ought to be used sparingly.

At the tail end of this list, we have cookies. These are basically sugar, butter, and flour with a few other ingredients mixed in, depending on the recipe. According to Healthline, processed cookies can lead to poor health outcomes, including weight gain and high blood pressure. Cookies tend to contain a number of bad ingredients, including chocolate and butter, which have already made this list. They are a delicious amalgam of bad foods mixed into one. As with other foods, cookies can be fine in moderation. Just don't eat a whole package and avoid the ones with unrecognizable ingredients.