14 Deceptively Unhealthy Trader Joe’s Items You Thought Were Good for You

Trader Joe’s has a reputation for being healthier among customers, but some of these popular shopping hacks can have some unexpected ingredients that make that claim wrong.

It’s always worth checking the labels ahead of time, especially if you’re on a particular diet, like low-sugar or low-sodium. These unhealthy items may just surprise you.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $3.69

You may think granola has to be a healthier option, but this one adds a sneaky amount of sugar.

This tasty granola is better used sparingly since it has a third of your daily recommended sugar in just one serving.

Perhaps this granola should be a sprinkle on your yogurt rather than as a whole breakfast.

Price: $5.99

Though almond butter can be a great alternative for peanut allergies, it’s actually higher in fat.

This crunchy almond butter is 190 calories per two-teaspoon serving, which can make your PB&J; less healthy than you thought.

Thankfully, it has no sodium, unlike Trader Joe’s peanut butter with honey.

Price: $3.79

We all know Ranch dressing isn’t the healthiest salad topper, but what about Italian dressing?

Before you pick up this bottle, it’s worth knowing it has a high sodium count of two teaspoons. If you’re watching your salt intake, consider the Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing instead.

Price: $4.99

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup when you’re under the weather, except for this option.

Despite its delicious flavor, this broccoli cheddar soup is high in sodium and saturated fat. For a healthier, warm meal, replace this option with Trader Joe’s classic chicken noodle soup.

Price: $4.99

Surely, juice with so many tasty fruits can’t be unhealthy, right?

Well, this blend of red juices, like strawberry, beet, and watermelon, is high in sugar. Even without added sugar, it has 29 grams in each cup serving.

Price: $3.99

Almonds are a heart-healthy snack, but it’s important to remember that’s without any extras.

These almonds have a cinnamon sugar coating that takes them from a “healthy” treat to a small-serving dessert.

With just seven almonds, you get 32 grams of sugar and a fourth of your daily recommended saturated fat.

Price: $2.49

Typical ciabatta bread is full of nutrients and grains to help your daily diet. However, these ciabatta rolls have an Everything seasoning that ups the sodium significantly.

Each roll is 250 calories and a third of your recommended sodium intake, so consider cutting it in half.

Price: $2.99

You may think that chicken sausage would be healthier than pork, and in some ways, it is.

These chicken sausage patties are actually higher in cholesterol than some Trader Joe’s pork sausage. Plus, these patties pack a decent amount of sodium per serving.

Price: $3.99

Unfortunately, “vegan” doesn’t always mean it’s the healthier option.

These frozen treats might be dairy-free, but they are high in saturated fat. Not to mention, each serving is only one bon bon, which will set you back 110 calories.

Price: $3.49

Making protein shakes at home can be time-consuming, but it also might be better for you.

This ready-made protein smoothie is dairy-free and tasty. However, it has over 300 calories per bottle and over a third of your daily sugar for just 23 grams of protein.

Price: $4.69

Egg wraps may seem like a healthier alternative to tortillas, but always check the labels beforehand.

These egg wraps have more cholesterol than their bread counterparts. For your wrap needs, check out the low-carb tortillas at Trader Joe’s instead.

Price: $1.99

Taking a look at this product, it could seem harmless enough. But these orange slices have been sweetened, which adds to the natural sugar content.

Instead of the healthy snack you thought you were buying, now you’re consuming 32 grams of sugar in every three slices.

Price: $3.99

Nothing beats a tasty sorbet to help cool you down in the summer. However, there’s nothing refreshing about the sugar content in this pint.

Each serving has half the sugar you need for the day, so perhaps skip this sorbet and opt for some frozen fruit instead.

Price: $3.99

Sticking to a gluten-free diet can be difficult, especially when the ingredients aren’t so healthy.

This fettuccine pasta may satisfy your pasta cravings, but at a cost. Each cup has over a quarter of your daily sodium and cholesterol, and that’s without the Alfredo sauce.

Trader Joe’s still has a ton of healthy finds worth buying, which will help you keep more cash in your wallet.

It’s always good practice to check the labels before you hit the checkouts to ensure these items fit your needs.