Their labels say that they are “all natural,” so everyone assumes that they are nutritious, healthy and safe to eat. In reality, labeling has a lot more to do with lobbying Congress and passing laws than it does about ensuring that consumers know what it is they are eating.
Big food manufacturers hire people to persuade lawmakers to allow the manufacturers to make certain health claims on labels. Lawmakers pass the laws … and you, the consumer, are left trying to figure out whether or not a food item is actually good for you.
Here’s a look at a few “all natural” products that might not be all Congress says they’re cracked up to be:
Granola bars
The labels say they are “all natural.” Most of the ingredients look like things you’ve heard of. But when you really break it down, many granola bars are far from being “all natural,” much less good for you. Many are full of corn syrup, fructose and invert sugar–all of which might be “all natural,” but none of which is actually good for you.
Yogurt
The problem with yogurt isn’t usually from the dairy product itself. The problem comes from the fact that the “fruit” being mixed into it is rarely real.
Non-dairy cheese
It’s not real cheese–you know this. But what you don’t know is that much of it contains added colors and flavors that make them more “cheese-like.”
Bottled iced tea
It’s not all just leaves and water that makes up a lot of your favorite bottled iced teas. Many include corn syrup and artificial lemon flavors.
Salad dressing
There are very, very few “all natural” salad dressings on the market. Truth is, most include artificial flavors.
Honey
This one is surprising, but the fact is this: Most of the honey you buy at the grocery store is anything but “all natural.” In fact, most of the pollen in most of the honey has been removed by the time it’s bottled.
Ice cream
This one is not so surprising. Most ice creams–even those with “all natural” status–are full of artificial flavors.
