With the rise in the chatter around healthy foods being the new substitute to quick healthy meals, it is easy to get in the hype without realising if it is actually beneficial for your health. According to Pande, “Many so-called healthy foods are highly processed and misleading in their claims. The two major trends that I am seeing are misleading claims on labels and hidden sugar and sweeteners.”

Packaged foods are often packed with preservatives and artificial sweeteners, hidden names that are often not known by the majority of people. To make a smart and nutritious decision, Pande suggested a list of ingredients to be cautious of.

Pande advised, “Always check the ingredient list and nutrition label, not just the front of the pack, but also the back, as the detailed nutritional value and ingredient list are on the back of the product.”

“Yes, regularly eating packaged 'health' foods can harm weight loss or nutrition goals. Many of these products contain hidden sugars, excess sodium, or artificial ingredients. They’re often highly processed and less filling than whole foods, which can lead to overeating. Misleading labels like “low-fat” or “high-protein” may also cause people to think they’re healthier than they are,” suggested Pande. 

Packaged foods are made to last longer and are more focused on increasing shelf life than your supporting your fitness goals. According to Pande, “Instead of consuming 'healthy' packaged snacks, opt for whole-food alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, and Greek yoghurt.” Some healthy options, as suggested by Pande, include:

1. Protein Bars

: Boiled moong sprouts chaat or roasted chana

2.  Baked Chips or Namkeen

: Roasted makhana or steamed sweet potato with chaat masala.

3.    Granola Bars or Diet Biscuits

: Ragi porridge with fruit or multigrain roti with jaggery.

4.    Flavoured Trail Mix

: Dry fruits + dates (khajur/anjeer) or homemade dry fruit laddoo.

5. Instead of Fruit Juices or Fruit Snacks

: Whole fruits like guava or papaya, or fresh coconut water.

The per 100g rule helps you compare products easily.

Look for:

3. Don’t Be Fooled by Buzzwords

4. Know Common Indian Packaged Traps

5. Look for Certifications

6. Packaging Type Matters Too

• Choose items in glass jars or paper packs when possible for environmental and safety reasons.

Packaged foods, either healthy or otherwise, have preservatives, added sugar and oils that can add negatively to yoyr health instead to adding to your healthy diet. However, it can be consiumed some times but shoulfd be avoided in regular use. Morever, good food consumption is avout making smarter choices and not restricting yourself. So, practice the tip given above to lead a happy and healthy life!