In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on convenience foods. Many of these foods not only harm our health but also take a toll on our wallets. These are 28 common everyday foods that are both unhealthy and expensive. Let’s explore their negative impact on our well-being, estimate their costs, and find healthier and more affordable alternatives.
Common Everyday Foods That Are Bad for Your Health and Your Wallet
![Unhealthy snack, junk food, compulsive overeating. Man overeating unhealthy meals taking hamburger and potato chips from plate](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1906405480-1024x538.jpg)
Before shelling out on these items, read this article. Some foods are healthy but not worth the price; others are expensive for both your body and wallet. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives that are both budget and body-friendly. (1, 2, 3)
Read: 12 Photos That Prove We Have No Idea How Food Grows
1. Soda
![Three cola glass with ice cubes and bubbles. Cold sweet drink on wooden background](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1675156588-1024x538.jpg)
Sodas are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients that can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health issues.
Estimated cost: $1.50 per can.
Alternative: Infused water or homemade iced tea.
2. Energy drinks
![energy drink being poured into glass](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_445742722-1024x538.jpg)
Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, leading to potential heart problems and crashes.
Estimated cost: $2.50 per can.
Alternative: Green tea or natural fruit-infused water.
3. Potato chips
![Potato chips, delicious BBQ seasoning spicy for crips, thin slice deep fried snack fast food in open bag.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_2264484105-1024x538.jpg)
Potato chips are loaded with unhealthy fats and high amounts of sodium.
Estimated cost: $3 per bag.
Alternative: Baked vegetable chips or air-popped popcorn.
4. Processed deli meats
![big group of meat, bread and vegetables](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_50635486-1024x538.jpg)
Processed deli meats often contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy additives, and preservatives. Estimated cost: $6 per pound.
Alternative: Freshly grilled chicken breast or homemade sandwich fillings.
Read: 10 Natural and Organic Brands That Are Now Owned by Huge Corporations
5. Instant noodles
![Hand uses chopsticks to pickup tasty noodles with smokes.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_721269526-1024x538.jpg)
Instant noodles are inexpensive but offer little nutritional value and may contain harmful additives. Estimated cost: $0.50 per packet.
Alternative: Whole grain pasta or homemade vegetable stir-fry.
6. Store-bought granola bars
![Healthy bars with nuts, seeds and dried fruits on the wooden table, with copy space.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_681678184-1024x538.jpg)
Store-bought granola bars can be loaded with added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Estimated cost: $2 per bar.
Alternative: Homemade energy balls or nut bars.
7. Flavored yogurt
![Composition with plastic cups with yogurt on grey table](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1439051561-1024x538.jpg)
Flavored yogurt may be high in added sugars and artificial flavors.
Estimated cost: $1.50 per cup.
Alternative: Plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruits or homemade yogurt parfaits.
8. Frozen pizza
![Hand opening a frozen pizza](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1432130009-1024x538.jpg)
Frozen pizzas often contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.
Estimated cost: $5.50 per pizza.
Alternative: Homemade pizza with whole wheat crust and fresh toppings.
Read: 34 Foods That Give You Longer Lasting Energy Than Coffee
9. Bottled salad dressings
![Spencer, Wisconsin, March,16, 2018 Several bottles of Dressing on a modern Grocery store shelf](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1047880228-1024x538.jpg)
Bottled salad dressings can be packed with unhealthy oils, sugars, and artificial additives. Estimated cost: $4 per bottle.
Alternative: Homemade dressings using olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
10. Canned soups
![Colorful background of neatly arranged rows of opened cans of assorted soup viewed full frame from above in a food abstract still life](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_356880431-2-1024x538.jpg)
Canned soups tend to be high in sodium and often contain additives.
Estimated cost: $2.50 per can.
Alternative: Homemade soups made with fresh ingredients.
11. Frozen pre-packaged meals
![Frozen meal in a microwavable container. Includes chicken, cashews, rice, vegetables as carrots, green beans, peas and others.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1506731522-1024x538.jpg)
Frozen pre-packaged meals may be convenient, but they often contain excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.
Estimated cost: $6 per meal.
Alternative: Preparing your own freezer-friendly meals.
12. Bottled smoothies
![Fresh juices or cocktails of fruits and vegetables in bottles on a gray background. The concept of a healthy diet or detox](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_2124406070-1024x538.jpg)
Bottled smoothies can be high in added sugars and provide limited nutritional benefits.
Estimated cost: $4 per bottle.
Alternative: Homemade smoothies with fresh fruits, vegetables, and natural sweeteners.
13. Flavored coffee creamers
![San Leandro, CA - Sept 4, 2020: Grocery store shelf with containers of Nestle brand Coffee mate creamers in various flavors. With sugar and sugar free.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1808945719-1024x538.jpg)
Flavored coffee creamers often contain high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors.
Estimated cost: $3 per bottle.
Alternative: Unsweetened almond milk or homemade coffee creamers.
14. Store-bought muffins
![](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1044519310-1024x538.jpg)
Store-bought muffins can be high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour.
Estimated cost: $2 per muffin.
Alternative: Homemade muffins using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners.
Read: 9 Foods Containing Additives to Look Out For
15. Frozen breaded chicken nuggets
![Frozen semi-finished products Background for the designer.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1638349468-1024x538.jpg)
Frozen breaded chicken nuggets are often heavily processed and can contain unhealthy additives and preservatives.
Estimated cost: $5 per bag.
Alternative: Homemade baked chicken tenders using whole grain breading.
16. Breakfast cereals
![Bowls of various cereals from top view](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_394646740-1024x538.jpg)
Many breakfast cereals are high in added sugars and lack essential nutrients.
Estimated cost: $4 per box.
Alternative: Overnight oats or homemade granola.
17. Flavored water
![flavored water](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_650326765-1-1024x538.jpg)
Flavored water can be high in added sugars and artificial additives.
Estimated cost: $2 per bottle.
Alternative: Infused water with sliced fruits and herbs.
18. Frozen microwaveable burritos
![Los Angeles, California, United States - 02-01-2023: A view of several packages of Red's frozen burritos, on display at a local grocery store.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_2285576121-1-1024x538.jpg)
Frozen microwaveable burritos are typically high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives.
Estimated cost: $3.50 per burrito.
Alternative: Homemade burritos with whole grain tortillas and fresh ingredients.
19. Frosted breakfast pastries
![Selection of French & Danish pastries on a Wicker basket](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_265257473-1024x538.jpg)
Frosted breakfast pastries are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
Estimated cost: $2 per pastry.
Alternative: Homemade oatmeal bars or smoothie bowls.
20. Bottled iced tea
![set with different bottles of ice tea on white background](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_102931274-1024x538.jpg)
Bottled iced tea often contains added sugars and artificial flavors.
Estimated cost: $2 per bottle.
Alternative: Brewing your own unsweetened iced tea at home.
Read: 24 Of The Most Weight Loss Friendly Foods on The Planet
21. Frozen pancakes/waffles
![Los Angeles, CA/USA 08/20/2019 Carton boxes of Kellogg's Eggo brand frozen belgian waffles for sale in a supermarket freezer](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1485288713-1024x538.jpg)
Frozen pancakes and waffles can be high in refined flour, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.
Estimated cost: $4 per box.
Alternative: Homemade pancakes or waffles using whole grain flour and natural sweeteners.
22. Cookies and pastries
![Chocolate cookies on wooden table.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_661622035-1024x538.jpg)
Cookies and pastries are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and refined flour.
Estimated cost: $3 per pack.
Alternative: Homemade oatmeal cookies or fruit-based desserts.
23. Bottled fruit juices
![Bottles of juice with fruits and vegetables on windowsill close up](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_258066761-1024x538.jpg)
Bottled fruit juices often have added sugars and lack the natural fiber found in whole fruits.
Estimated cost: $2.50 per bottle.
Alternative: Freshly squeezed juices or infused water.
24. Packaged mashed potatoes
![Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - 05-08-2023: A view of several packages of Betty Crocker mashed potato mix, on display at a local grocery store.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_2303456571-1024x538.jpg)
Packaged mashed potatoes can contain unhealthy additives, excess sodium, and unhealthy fats. Estimated cost: $3 per box.
Alternative: Homemade mashed potatoes using fresh potatoes and healthier ingredients.
Read: 17 Foods High in Magnesium You NEED in Your Diet (see list)
25. Sweetened condensed milk
![Condensed milk pouring from spoon into tin can on grey background, closeup. Dairy product](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1346748458-1024x538.jpg)
Sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Estimated cost: $3.50 per can.
Alternative: Unsweetened evaporated milk or homemade dairy-free substitutes.
26. Pre-packaged cookie dough/baking mix
![wheat flour in a white package and soft dough for baking, cheesecakes and bread. knead and sculpt the dough. soft focus.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1440209417-1024x538.jpg)
Pre-packaged cookie dough and baking mixes often contain unhealthy fats and high levels of sugar. Estimated cost: $5 per pack.
Alternative: Homemade cookie dough or baking mixes using wholesome ingredients.
27. Flavored cream cheese spreads
![A bagel with salmon cream cheese on it](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_65993212-1024x538.jpg)
Flavored cream cheese spreads can be high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives—estimated cost: $3 per container.
Alternative: Plain cream cheese with fresh herbs or homemade flavored spreads using natural ingredients.
The Bottom Line
![Girl holds a paper plate with healthy food sitting on the floor. Home delivery food. Healthy eating concept. When you stay at home.](https://theheartysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1683296803-3-1024x538.jpg)
Making healthier choices doesn’t have to be expensive. By avoiding these common everyday foods that are bad for your health and your wallet, you can improve your well-being while saving money. Opting for homemade alternatives and fresh ingredients is not only more nutritious but also allows for greater control over what you consume. Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle by making informed choices and prioritizing your well-being.
Keep Reading: 26 Weird Ingredients In The Food We Eat Every Day
Sources
- “14 ‘Health Foods’ That May Not Be as Nutritious as You Thought.” Healthline. Jillian Kubala, MS, RD. November 8, 2021
- “The Top 10 Worst Foods You Should Give Up.” Everyday Health. Lisa Mosing. November 15, 2017.
- “14 Favorite Foods to Enjoy in Moderation — Plus Nutritious Swaps.” Healthline. Shahzadi Devje, RD, CDE, MSc. June 13, 2023