This is a short “consumer guide” so to speak that I wanted to put together to empower you with knowledge about what’s really in your food products. With so many items labeled as “healthy,” it’s essential to understand the hidden ingredients that may not benefit—or could even harm—your health. This list aims to provide clear, practical information to help you make informed choices and feel confident about the products you consume.

1. Whey Protein Isolate – Often highly processed and stripped of beneficial fats and co-factors, whey protein isolate can act as a neurotoxin, potentially causing inflammation and impacting cognitive function in sensitive individuals. It may also contribute to gut irritation and digestive issues. Look for it under names like “whey isolate” or simply “whey protein.”
2. Soy Protein Isolate – Heavily processed and often derived from genetically modified soy, soy protein isolate contains phytoestrogens, which can disrupt hormonal balance, and trypsin inhibitors, which interfere with protein digestion. It may also strain the thyroid and contribute to inflammation. It may appear as “soy isolate,” “textured vegetable protein,” or “TVP.”
3. Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium) – These are commonly added to health drinks and protein powders. Aspartame can break down into neurotoxic compounds, potentially impacting mood, cognitive function, and even causing headaches. Sucralose can disrupt gut bacteria, impacting digestion and immune function. They’re often hidden as “NutraSweet,” “Splenda,” or “Sweet One.”
4. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – Often disguised in “natural” drinks and energy bars, HFCS contributes to insulin resistance, promotes fat storage, and has been linked to metabolic issues and inflammation. It can also lead to fatty liver disease over time. Look for it as “corn syrup” or “corn syrup solids.”
5. Carrageenan – A thickener used in health shakes, non-dairy milks, and protein powders, carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive issues. It may appear simply as “seaweed extract” or “E407.”
6. Natural Flavors – A vague term used in many health drinks and bars, natural flavors can include a variety of hidden chemicals and additives, including synthetic ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions or overstimulation of taste buds, leading to cravings for more processed foods.
7. Canola Oil – Found in many “healthy” snacks and protein bars, canola oil is highly processed and often extracted with hexane, a chemical solvent. It can be inflammatory due to high omega-6 fatty acid content, which may increase the risk of heart disease when consumed regularly. Often labeled as “vegetable oil” or “rapeseed oil.”
8. Maltodextrin – Used as a filler or sweetener in health supplements and drinks, maltodextrin is highly processed, with a high glycemic index that can spike blood sugar levels. It can also disrupt gut bacteria balance and promote digestive issues. It may be listed as “corn maltodextrin” or “hydrolyzed starch.”
9. Synthetic Vitamins (e.g., Ascorbic Acid, Synthetic Vitamin E, Cyanocobalamin) – Many fortified health drinks contain synthetic versions of vitamins, which lack the full spectrum of co-factors found in whole-food sources. These isolated vitamins are harder for the body to absorb and can cause imbalances or toxicity with prolonged use. Commonly labeled by their chemical names for example “vitamin C” (ascorbic acid) or “vitamin B12” (cyanocobalamin).
10. Titanium Dioxide – Often used as a whitening agent in protein powders and health supplements, titanium dioxide has been linked to digestive issues and inflammation and is classified as a possible carcinogen by some health agencies. Often listed as “E171” or “titanium oxide.”
11. Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein – This ingredient can contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), a known excitotoxin that can overstimulate neurons, potentially leading to neurotoxicity, headaches, and cognitive issues. It’s also labeled as “HVP” or “hydrolyzed soy protein.”
12. Palm Oil – Often found in protein bars and health snacks, palm oil is highly processed and can be inflammatory due to oxidation during processing. It can also raise cholesterol levels and has negative environmental impacts. Look for “palm kernel oil” or “fractionated palm oil.”
13. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) – Commonly used as a preservative in processed health foods, BHT has been linked to liver toxicity and potential carcinogenic effects with long-term exposure. Sometimes listed as “E321” or “TBHQ.”
14. Synthetic Fibers (e.g., Inulin, Polydextrose) – Used to increase fiber content in health products, these synthetic fibers can cause digestive distress, bloating, and gas, especially in sensitive individuals or those with gut imbalances. May appear as “dietary fiber” or “chicory root fiber.”
15. Agave Syrup – Marketed as a “natural” sweetener, agave syrup is high in fructose, which can strain the liver, contribute to insulin resistance, and promote weight gain. Often labeled as “blue agave” or “agave nectar.”
16. Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) – Found in some protein powders, pre-workouts, and flavored health drinks as well as most processed foods, artificial colors are linked to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and potential carcinogenic effects with long-term exposure. Sometimes listed as “FD&C” colors, “E120,” or by number (e.g., “Yellow No. 5”).
17. Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate – Common preservatives in health drinks and protein shakes, these chemicals can form benzene, a known carcinogen, especially when combined with vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Look for this wording directly on labels until people wake up to it then they decide to classify it as something else.
18. Lecithin (Often Soy-Derived) – Used as an emulsifier in protein powders and bars, soy-derived lecithin can disrupt hormonal balance and potentially lead to inflammation in sensitive individuals, especially if sourced from genetically modified soy. Listed as “soy lecithin” or “sunflower lecithin.”
19. Corn Syrup Solids – These are often used as fillers in health drinks and shakes. They are high-glycemic, leading to spikes in blood sugar, and can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. Look for “corn solids” or “dried glucose syrup.”
20. Casein – A milk-derived protein used in some protein powders, casein can be difficult to digest and may promote inflammation or worsen gut issues in those sensitive to dairy. Sometimes listed as “milk protein” or “sodium caseinate.”
21. Calcium Carbonate – Used as a cheap source of calcium in health supplements, calcium carbonate is difficult for the body to absorb and can cause digestive issues, including constipation and bloating. It also lacks the co-factors needed for effective absorption, like magnesium and vitamin K2. Commonly found as “calcium supplement” or simply “calcium.”
22. Propylene Glycol – Used as a solvent in health products, it’s a synthetic additive linked to allergic reactions and potential kidney or liver toxicity. It may be labeled as “PG” or “propylene glycol alginate.”
23. Disodium Phosphate – An additive used as a stabilizer, which can disrupt electrolyte balance and lead to kidney strain with long-term use. It may appear as “sodium phosphate” or “E339.”
24. Glycerin – Often derived from synthetic sources and used as a filler, glycerin can act as a laxative and cause bloating in sensitive individuals. It might be labeled as “vegetable glycerin.”
25. Polysorbate 80 – An emulsifier that can disrupt gut bacteria and lead to digestive issues. Look for it as “tween 80” or “polyoxyethylene.”