These ultra processed foods (UPFs) are becoming more commonplace across grocery stores.  Here are five foods you should avoid when stocking up on groceries: Mass-Produced Bread Grocery store breads contain preservatives that extend shelf life as well as harmful additives that speed up production. Breakfast Cereals Most breakfast cereals contain high volumes of sugar, colorings, and preservatives, once the grains are processed, their nutrition content is lowered significantly.  Plant-Based Meat Meat alternatives contain ingredients such as flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, GMOs, and chemicals that mimic the texture, taste, and color of plant-based meat options. Margarine This cost-effective butter alternative is usually advertised as a reduced-fat option, but its ingredients, like unhealthy plant oils, pose health risks.  Hot Dogs  Hot dogs contain harmful ingredients called nitrates, which function as preservatives and are linked to heart disease and type two diabetes.