1. Dried Mangoes
Dried fruit is often considered a convenient and nutritious snack option. However, it can be deceptively high in sugar. Darren explains, "One thing you guys need to understand about dried fruit: 1 cup of mango has about 23 grams of sugar. This bag of dried mango weighs about the same as a cup of fresh mango. But there’s four servings in here. 23 grams of sugar per serving. That’s 92 grams of sugar in this bag of dried mango. This is not health food. This is worse for you than candy." The concentrated sugar in dried fruits can contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels and, over time, to weight gain and other health issues.
Darren points out that the entire dried fruit aisle at Trader Joe’s is problematic: "This whole dried fruit aisle is a total scam." Just like dried mangoes, dried bananas, apples, and freeze-dried blueberries are high in sugar and can lead to the same health problems. These fruits lose a significant amount of their water content during the drying process, which concentrates the sugars and makes it easy to consume large amounts without realizing it.
2. Omega Trek Mix
Trail mix is another product that can be misleading. While nuts and seeds are generally healthy, the added ingredients can turn them into less-than-ideal snacks. "Trail mix in general is a disaster, but this one is trying to market itself as healthy omega trek mix," says Darren. "Yes, it has some omega-3 in it, but to get that you’re getting 7 grams of added sugar because of those pesky dried cranberries. Not only that, but in this nut mix you’re getting canola oil, which I’m guessing you didn’t expect to get when you’re trying to buy nuts." The added sugars and oils can negate the health benefits of the nuts and seeds.
3. Sprouted Wheat Multigrain Bread
Many people turn to multigrain and sprouted wheat breads as healthier alternatives to white bread. However, not all multigrain breads are created equal. Darren warns, "This has more calories and more sugar than just plain old white bread." While sprouted grains can have some nutritional advantages, the additional sugar and calories in this particular bread can make it a less healthy choice than expected.
4. Organic Blue Agave
Agave nectar is often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar due to its lower glycemic index. However, Darren challenges this perception: "Somebody explain to me what the fascination is with agave. 30 grams of sugar for two tablespoons. Basically just pure sugar." Despite its natural origins, agave nectar is still high in fructose, which can have negative health effects similar to those of high fructose corn syrup when consumed in large amounts.
5. Hazelnut Nougat Barebells Bars
Protein bars are a popular snack among those looking for convenient and healthy options, but not all protein bars are equal. Darren highlights the issues with Barebells bars: "We’ve got some plant-based protein bars here. 27 grams of carbs and only 15 grams of protein. What kind of protein bar has way more carbs than protein? Plus vegetable oil." The high carbohydrate content and use of vegetable oils make these bars less than ideal for a healthy snack.
6. Clif Bar
Clif Bars are a staple for many outdoor enthusiasts, but Darren argues they aren’t suitable for serious athletes. "I’ve actually never seen a serious athlete who eats Clif Bars and here’s why. The second ingredient is brown rice syrup which is just sugar. The third is soy rice crisps. We’ve got roasted soy beans, soy flour, sunflower oil, this is not performance nutrition." The high sugar content and processed ingredients make Clif Bars more of a sugary treat than a performance-boosting snack.
Bottom line
While Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of products, it’s essential to scrutinize the nutritional labels and understand what you’re really consuming. As this TikTok reveals, many of these "health foods" are loaded with sugar, unhealthy oils, and other ingredients that can undermine your health goals. Always read labels carefully and consider making more informed choices based on whole, minimally processed foods. By being mindful of what you buy, you can better support your health and wellness journey.