Why Oatmeal, Granola Bars, and Plant-Based Meats Are the New ‘Junk’ Foods (and What to Eat Instead)
Once hailed as the heroes of healthy eating, foods like oatmeal, granola bars, and plant-based meats are now quietly joining the ranks of modern junk food. While they still wear the disguise of wellness—boasting labels like “heart-healthy,” “plant-powered,” or “protein-packed”—many of today’s versions are ultra-processed, sugar-laden, and stripped of their original nutritional value. As food …