Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Rather than dishing out $22 a pound for this delicious stuff, look for varieties like Pecorino Romano and SarVecchio, which taste the same, but cost half the price.
Smoked and Cured Meats
These meats have been linked to cancer, disease, high blood pressure, and migraines. On top of it, they’re packed with artery-clogging grease (regulations allow up to 50% to be fat).
“Blueberry” items
It turns out, most of the "blueberry-flavored" items on grocery store shelves don't feature any real berries, they are just artificial blueberry flavor. Rather, buy your own berries and add them to cereal or muffins for a real health boost.
Multi-grain bread
Make sure to always check the ingredient list to see if whole wheat is the first, and main, ingredient. If it's not, you’re just getting a few grains mixed into regular white bread.
Reduced fat peanut butter
When the fat is removed from peanut butter, something has to be added back into it to make the food taste delicious. In this case, it’s lots of extra sugar. Rather, spread regular peanut butter on your sandwich for more of the good fats and protein without fake sweetness.
Bottled tea
If you want to save money and not pack on the pounds, brew your own tea at home. Its been proven that these bottled drinks contain more sugar than pie.
Tomato-based pasta sauces
On average, a jar of spaghetti sauce can run anywhere from $2 to $6. Whereas the same amount of canned tomatoes is around $1. With that being said, make your own sauce from canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. Add your favorite wine, a dash of sugar, herbs and chopped vegetables!
Swordfish
Swordfish can be high in mercury, so instead, choose smaller fish, like flounder, catfish, sardines, and salmon.
Energy drinks
The FDA has received numerous reports linking brands like 5 Hour Energy and Monster Energy to heart attacks, convulsion, and even death. Rather, drink a cup of coffee for that needed energy boost.
Gluten-free baked goods
If you aren't diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, "gluten-free" doesn't necessarily mean healthy. More often these baked snacks are packed with more refined flours, artificial ingredients, and sugar than traditional baked goods.
Flavored non-dairy milks
While dairy itself isn't healthy, neither are flavored non-dairy milks. They contain a ton of added sugars, and aren't cheap! If you are tying to be healthy, stick to the unsweetened non-dairy milks.
Foods made of WOOD
Next time you are enjoying a snack bar, look at the ingredient list and you may find an ingredient called "cellulose." Well, turns out that cellulose is a code word for "wood pulp."
White rice
There is a 17% higher risk of diabetes associated with eating five or more servings of white rice per week.
Frozen vegetables
Sure, you can buy an 8-ounce packet of peas in an herbed butter sauce, but why do so when you can make your own? When you freeze foods, you also risk losing some of the vegetables nutrients.
Microwave sandwiches
When you buy a pre-made sandwich, you're really just paying for its elaborate packaging and a whole lot of salt, fat, and unnecessary additives.
Premium frozen fruit bars
For around $2 per bar, frozen 'all fruit' or 'fruit and juice' bars may not be rich in calories, but they are certainly rich in price. Instead, make your own at home with 2 cups cut-up fruit, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice. Blend it up, maybe add a little water and you are good to go!
Boxed rice 'entree' or side-dish mixes
These pricey boxes consist basically of rice, salt (a lot), and spices. Instead, save yourself the money, make your own with a bag of rice, your own herbs and other seasonings and bon appétit.