If you’re trying to eat healthier, you’ve probably heard the basics: Prioritize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and avoid ultraprocessed foods. But for most of us, eating fresh, whole foods 24/7 isn’t realistic.

When shopping for prepackaged foods, you’ll see many marketed as “better for you” — even though they may actually contain high amounts of added sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats and a long list of artificial ingredients.

That’s why it’s always important to check nutrition labels, and moderation is also key. Even if some health foods are better for you than the original junk, you shouldn’t throw portion sizes out the window.

TODAY.com spoke to Collin Popp, P.hD., dietitian and assistant professor in the department of population health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, about the least healthy “health foods,” and how to make more nutritious choices.

Protein bars

Protein bars are a convenient way to up your protein intake and keep you feeling full between meals. However, not all protein bars are good for you.

Protein bars with whole-food ingredients and minimal additives can be nutritious, but many popular options are no better than a candy bar with a few extra grams of protein.

“Protein bars are something I eat almost every day — but I am very mindful of where it comes from and the ingredients in it,” Popp tells TODAY.com.

Many bars are highly processed and contain unhealthy fats, such as palm oil, added sugars and other artificial ingredients.

“A lot of times, they’ll also put a less beneficial plant protein in there,” says Popp. These include processed soy proteins or isolates. “They don’t even put a lot in, so they’ll say it’s high protein, but it’s maybe 8 grams,” says Popp.

When choosing protein bars, opt for ones that contain at least 10 grams of protein, ideally from whole-food sources like nuts, seeds or eggs. “Whey protein can also be healthy,” says Popp.

Additionally, look for protein bars with at least a few grams of gut-healthy fiber, minimal added sugar and fewer ingredients.

Bottled protein shakes

In the same vein as protein bars are bottled, store-bought protein shakes. Protein shakes can be a healthy way to help meet your protein goals, when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

“They’re quick and easy, (especially) if you haven’t had anything to eat,” says Popp. However, be mindful of the added sugars, artificial sweeteners and calories.

“Even though usually they are lower in fat, they are very processed,” Popp adds.

The healthier option is to choose a high-quality protein powder with minimal added sugar and mix it yourself with water or milk, or add it to a smoothie.

If you already eat a diet rich in protein-packed whole foods, you may not even need the extra drinkable protein. However, it can be a good way to supplement your diet if you struggle to get enough, especially if you’re strength-training.

“I always tell people, keep it in moderation, or use it as a last resort,” explains Popp.

Granola bars

Granola bars are a satisfying, crunchy, sweet snack. They’re seem healthy because you can actually see the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, right?

While granola can be healthy, providing, protein, fiber, healthy fats and vitamins, choose your bars wisely.

“Some of the granola bars out there are just oats with added sugars in a bar form, so they’re not the best for you,” says Popp.

They may also contain unhealthy saturated fats from added oils, making them calorie-dense. And even if you can see the grains or seeds, granola bars can still be highly processed, Popp notes.

Opt for granola bars with a variety of healthy whole grains, such as oats, amaranth, barley, buckwheat and quinoa. Look for granola bars with seeds, like chia, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds, and minimal added sugar or oils.

Trail mix

Nuts, seeds, dried fruits — where can you go wrong? Well, it turns out “trail mix can also have lots of added sugars, or it’s just a way to disguise chocolates in a healthy way,” says Popp.

Many of the store bought trail mix varieties are high in sugar, sodium and calories. “They may appear healthier, but they’re really not, so you have to be careful,” says Popp.

Instead of buying trail mix filled with chocolate candies, salty pretzels and tangy yogurt bits, opt for varieties with mostly whole-food ingredients and minimal added sugars.

Another option is to make your own trail mix at home, which is as easy as mixing a few store-bought ingredients together. Opt for unsalted nuts rich in protein and healthy fats, fiber-filled seeds, unsweetened dried fruit, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

Bottled green juices

Bottled green juices are often marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional fruit juice. “They have a lot of fruits or vegetables in them, which are healthy for the most part,” says Popp.

Some varieties provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, many of these drinks are high in sugar (natural or added) and lacking in macronutrients.

Unlike the whole fruits and vegetables they’re made from, pressed juices don’t contain much, if any, fiber or protein. “With the juices especially, they end up taking out the really beneficial things, so they are processed, and you’re just getting (carbs) and sugars for the most part,” says Popp.

“The other issue with juices is you can drink them pretty quickly, so people can consume a lot of calories rapidly,” says Popp. The sugars can also raise blood sugar levels.

If you’re buying bottled green juice, opt for ones with real fruits and vegetables listed as the first ingredients and no added sugars, because they’ll often have natural sugar from the fruit.

Avoid unpasteurized fresh juices, which may be labeled “raw” or “cold-pressed,” because they not been treated to kill harmful bacteria, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Veggie chips

Potato chips are technically made from a vegetable, but there’s an increasing number of veggie-forward chips, straws and puffs marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional crisps.

These often contain powdered vegetables and come in a variety of nutritious-looking colors. While many veggie chips aren’t a bad choice, they can be unhealthy depending on the brand and the ingredients.

“They’re in a (vegetable) disguise, because when you actually look at the ingredients, rice or corn is usually first ingredient,” says Popp. “The way they get around it and are labeled ‘veggie’ is they’ve used almost the byproducts of the vegetables themselves.”

As opposed to actual sticks of raw vegetables such as carrots and celery, you’re getting powdered, processed vegetables. “Many of the vitamins and minerals and the fiber gets removed, which is one of the main benefits of eating pure vegetables,” says Popp.

Compared to potato chips, some varieties of veggie chips may have similar amounts of sodium, fat and calories.

Plant-based meats

If you follow a plant-based diet, meat alternatives can satisfy your craving for a burger or bolognese. However, they aren’t always the healthiest choice, especially compared to whole, plant-based protein sources and lean protein, like fish or chicken.

These plant-based “meats” often contain soy, pea and wheat-gluten protein or a combination. “Those aren’t all that bad, but these are still processed,” says Popp.

They can provide a good amount of protein, are naturally cholesterol free, and lower in saturated fat than animal products. However, plant-based meats can be high in sodium and unhealthy fats from added oils. And they often contain artificial flavorings to mimic the taste of meat and additives for texture.

While these may be a part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation, be careful if you’re watching your sodium intake, and try to prioritize whole food sources of plant-based protein instead.

“If people want to get their protein from plants, go for legumes and beans, nuts and even quinoa (and other whole grains),” says Popp.