If you’re looking for ways to improve your diet or lose weight, you might consider switching some of your everyday food items with healthier alternatives.

However, it’s vital to do a little research before making any changes to your meal plan. Although many items on supermarket shelves are marketed as healthy, they might contain more calories than you think.

In this article, we provide a rundown of some of the most notorious “healthy” food culprits that could end up sabotaging your health and fitness goals. 

5 surprising high-calorie foods

1. Smoothies

Smoothies are often marketed as a nutritious snack or breakfast choice, but they can be packed with sugar and calories. For example, the Innocent Mangoes, Passion Fruits and Apples Smoothie contains 103 calories and 11g of sugar per serving. For a lighter option, opt for veggie smoothies or try making one of our fun and delicious smoothie recipes using our flavoured whey protein powders, flavour drops or syrups.

2. Salad dressing

Many people consider salads to be a low-calorie lunch or dinner choice. However, salad dressings can easily turn them into a high-calorie meal, especially if you choose creamy dressings like Caesar or ranch. For example, Caesar Salad dressing from Heinz contains 66 calories and 6.7g of fat per 15g serving.  If you want to keep your salads low-calorie, go for one of the sugar-free, no added sugar or fat-free salad dressings in our salad dressings and vinaigrettes range. 

3. Granola

Granola is often hailed as a delicious, healthy breakfast food, thanks to its whole grains and nuts.  However, some varieties are full of sugar and oils, which are added to enhance the texture and flavour. This makes it all too easy to overindulge! Our Skinny Granola with white, milk and dark chocolate is made using a reduced sugar recipe and contains just 178 calories and 4.5g of fat per 45g serving. A similar chocolatey granola from one of the leading brands contains 203 calories and 7.3g of fat per 45g serving. 

4. Nut butters

There’s no denying that peanut butter and other nut butters are packed with healthy fats and protein. However, they’re calorie-dense, too, so it can be easy to lose track of portion sizes if you’re spreading them on toast or using them as a dip. Pure Peanut Butter from The Skinny Food Co. contains zero palm oil and no added sugar or salt. It’s made using 100% peanuts and is available in both crunchy and smooth varieties. A 15g serving contains 98 calories and 8.2g of fat.

5. Coffee shop drinks

Can’t walk past your favourite coffee shop without grabbing a frothy latte or caramel cappuccino? A Grande Latte from Starbucks contains 190 calories and 7g of fat, which soon adds up if you’re stopping in daily. But just because you’re counting calories, there’s no need to miss out on your favourite hot drinks. The Skinny Food Co. Coffee Shop Collection features a selection of zero-calorie, sugar-free coffee syrups to stir into your coffee or hot chocolate. 

Remember, moderation is key to healthy living. We all need a treat every now and then, but opting for lower-calorie versions of your favourite foods could help you achieve your weight loss or fitness goals more quickly.