22 Foods You Should Cross Off Your Grocery List

You know the old saying—if something's too good to be true, it probably is. These foods are no exception. Despite their convenience and often delicious taste, the hidden costs to your health and your wallet should make you think twice before putting these foods on your grocery list!

Salad Kits

Salad kits are a convenient way to get your 5-a-day servings of vegetables, but their high cost, wasteful packaging, and potential for diseases like E.coli make it a product you should think twice about. For a fraction of the price, you can make your own salad mix with a selection of different lettuces, fresh herbs, and toppings like pumpkin seeds.

Swordfish

Swordfish is known for its firm, meaty texture and versatility in recipes. Like other bottom-feeder fish like tuna, it contains unhealthy levels of mercury. As part of a healthy diet, nutritionists recommend eating fish for oils and nutrients. Look for wild, cold-water fish like salmon and trout to limit mercury and to benefit from their healthy omega 3 oils.

Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

When you think of peanut butter, you probably imagine the creamy texture and rustic nuttiness—but you may also lament the high calories and fat. As an alternative to traditional peanut butter, the low-fat version may seem like a good choice—but the high amounts of sugar, salt, and flavorings added to replace the fat make it an unhealthy option.