Fox News Digital spoke with three nutrition experts about everyday foods<\/a> and drinks that are doing more harm than most people realize.<\/p>\n These daily treats range from habitual drinks to common snacks \u2013 and experts urge Americans to take a closer look at what they consume.<\/p>\n EXPERTS REVEAL HIDDEN WAYS SUGAR ACCELERATES AGING BEYOND JUST WEIGHT GAIN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n See the culinary culprits below and the reasons for their inclusion on this list.<\/p>\n These are five worth noting.<\/p>\n Many common foods and drinks marketed as convenient or low-calorie may carry hidden health risks, experts warn. (iStock)<\/p>\n 1. Frozen meals<\/p>\n Microwave meals may be quick and convenient, but they often come with hidden health risks,<\/a> according to Alma Simmons, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Ohio State University.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Frozen meals also have levels exceeding half your total daily limit of sodium (salt), causing increased blood pressure, retention of water and possible kidney strain,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n HOMEMADE VS. PROCESSED FOODS: STUDY CHALLENGES WHAT WE THINK IS HEALTHIER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “In addition, most frozen meals<\/a> contain unhealthy fats (saturated, trans), preservatives and additives linked to cardiovascular disease, inflammation and potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines.”<\/p>\n She also said that heating up certain plastics \u2013 even “microwave-safe” ones \u2013 can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals.<\/p>\n Frozen meals may be convenient, but many of these options contain high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats, experts say. (iStock)<\/p>\n Also, frozen meals are low in nutrients,<\/a> said Julia Zumpano, an Ohio-based registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition.\u00a0<\/p>\n “[This] can lead to nutrient deficiencies if nutrient-dense foods<\/a> are not consumed in combination with these meals,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n 2. Diet sodas<\/p>\n It’s best to exercise caution against daily diet sodas,<\/a> as they have the potential to harm the gut biome, said Simmons.<\/p>\n “The artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, used in diet sodas may interfere with gut microbiota<\/a> and insulin sensitivity, though mechanisms are still debated,” she said.<\/p>\n EXPERTS SAY QUITTING DIET COKE CAN IMPROVE HEART HEALTH AND GUT BALANCE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Drinking diet soda is also just as harmful for your teeth as full-sugar soda, Simmons said.<\/p>\n “Due to acidity, tooth erosion and dental decay still occur with zero-sugar drinks,”<\/a> she said.<\/p>\n Diet sodas may be sugar-free, but artificial sweeteners can interfere with gut health and appetite regulation, experts note. (iStock)<\/p>\n Zumpano echoed Simmons’ advice, noting that diet sodas can still cause elevated triglycerides, blood sugars and weight gain.<\/p>\n “Diet drinks can negatively impact the gut microbiome and increase your cravings for sweets and carbs, therefore inhibiting weight loss<\/a> or appetite control,” the nutritionist said.<\/p>\n 3. Potato chips<\/p>\n The amount of salt, unhealthy fats and calories in chips makes them a poor choice for a daily treat, said Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian based in South Carolina.<\/p>\n HEALTHY, SATISFYING ALTERNATIVES TO POTATO CHIPS: ‘YOU’LL ADJUST’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Eating them daily can contribute to high blood pressure and make it harder to feel full, leading to overeating,” she said.<\/p>\n “Too much sodium can strain your heart and kidneys, while the lack of nutrients means they don’t provide lasting energy or satiety,” she also told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n Potato chips are high in sodium and fat, which can contribute to high blood pressure if eaten daily, say nutritionists. (iStock)<\/p>\n She recommended chips as an occasional treat \u2013 or swapping them for other salty snacks.<\/a><\/p>\n “Try alternatives like air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas for more nutrients,” Manaker advised.<\/p>\n 4. Sweetened coffee drinks<\/p>\n Your sugary pre-work pick-me-up might bring you a lot of joy \u2014 but it can also raise serious health concerns.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Excess sugar in coffee<\/a> can spike your blood sugar levels and leave you feeling tired later, Manaker warned.<\/p>\n “Drinks like flavored lattes or Frappuccinos can pack a surprising amount of added sugar, sometimes more than a dessert,”<\/a> she said.<\/p>\n Sweetened coffee drinks can contain more sugar than some desserts, an expert warned. (iStock)<\/p>\n “Drinking them daily can lead to energy crashes and increase the risk of weight gain or insulin resistance over time.”<\/p>\n Instead, she suggested retraining your palate by going for unsweetened coffees \u2013 and saving the sugary versions as an occasional treat.<\/p>\n 5. Alcohol<\/p>\n The hardest habit for some Americans to quit is drinking alcohol.<\/a><\/p>\n For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com\/lifestyle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Daily alcohol consumption “can strain your liver, disrupt sleep and increase the risk of long-term health issues like high blood pressure and certain cancers,”<\/a> said Manaker.<\/p>\n “Even small amounts can add up over time,” she said.<\/p>\n Daily alcohol consumption “can strain your liver, disrupt sleep and increase the risk of long-term health issues,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)<\/p>\n Its mood-disrupting qualities and empty calories make it a less-than-ideal daily habit \u2013 and Manaker encouraged limiting alcohol to a few days a week.<\/p>\n![\"Older](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/everyday-foods-thumb.jpg\")
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