Tools for the Grocery Store
Shortcuts save you so much time!
If you get grocery store anxiety over food additives and finding healthy choices, you are not alone.
93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy.
This sets them up for chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a root cause to EVERY CHRONIC PREVENTABLE DISEASE.
I am hosting a FreeMasterclass this Monday to deep dive further.
Here are five of the biggest offenders to look for in any packaged foods. Start to avoid these:
1. Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate
Used in: Processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, deli meat, sausages)
Why it’s bad: When heated (like in cooking), these can form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens.
Linked to: Colon and stomach cancers, especially with frequent consumption.
✅ Look for labels that say “no nitrites/nitrates added” or go for fresh, unprocessed meats.
2. Artificial Food Dyes (like Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6)
Used in: Candy, soda, cereals, snacks, sports drinks
Why it’s bad: Some studies link them to hyperactivity in children, and others raise concerns about potential carcinogenic effects.
Banned or restricted in parts of Europe; U.S. still allows them.
✅ Swap for foods colored with beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, or paprika extract.
3. BHA & BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Hydroxytoluene)
Used in: Cereal, gum, chips, butter, snack mixes
Why it’s bad: These synthetic preservatives are linked to hormone disruption and potential carcinogenic effectsin animals.
Banned in some countries like Japan and parts of the EU.
✅ Choose products with natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract.
4. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Used in: Sodas, sweetened yogurt, sauces, salad dressings, baked goods
Why it’s bad: High intake is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome.
It spikes blood sugar faster than regular sugar and may encourage overeating.
✅ Go for whole food sweeteners like honey, maple syrup (in moderation), or better yet—no added sugar.
5. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Used in: Packaged soups, snacks, seasonings, fast food, frozen meals
Why it’s bad: While considered safe by regulators, some people experience headaches, flushing, fatigue, and other symptoms.
It’s also a sneaky additive—hidden under names like “yeast extract” or “natural flavors.”
✅ Add your own umami with mushrooms, tomatoes, or seaweed.
Bonus Baddies:
Aspartame – controversial sweetener, possibly linked to neurological effects and “possible carcinogen” label by WHO.
Propyl Gallate – preservative with possible endocrine-disrupting effects.
Carrageenan – thickener linked to gut inflammation in some studies (especially degraded carrageenan).
Here is my VERY FAVORITE hack for shopping:
Have you ever heard of this resource?
Find the link here-
https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/
With this app you can scan a product and get fast information that will speed up your time shopping.
I love this resource for giving me the information without having to bring a magnifying glass to the store.
Lastly, if a company makes it SO HARD to read the label, for me, I skip buying that product altogether.
We need more transparency in our food system.
Sneaky tricks like making the ingredients list hard to read mean the manufacturer
Need Help?
I teach one-to-one and small group classes.
These can include shopping trips.
Look on my site for more information and rates.
Remember we are all BIOINDIVIDUAL, what works for one does not work the same for another.
For more info on packages and classes with Angie’s Real Food look here:
https://angiesrealfood.com/
