25 Foods RFK Jr. Plans to Ban—Are Your Favorites on the List?
If RFK Jr. gets his way, we might be saying goodbye to some everyday favorites. He’s been outspoken about banning foods that contain certain additives, chemicals, or low-quality ingredients.
Below are 25 items that could land on his chopping block—and why you might want to think twice before reaching for them anyway.
1. Artificially Colored Cereals
They look bright and whimsical, bringing back memories of Saturday mornings in front of the TV. But those reds, blues, and yellows are often synthetic dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 5, which have been linked to behavioral issues in some studies.
Swapping them out for cereals colored with natural ingredients (like beets or turmeric) might help you sidestep potential side effects. At the very least, a cereal with less food dye means you’re one step closer to a more natural breakfast.
2. Fast-Food Chicken Nuggets
Crispy on the outside, vaguely chicken-like on the inside—these nuggets are a quick fix when you’re on the go. Yet many brands include fillers, preservatives, and mystery meat cuts that might make you think twice.
Some folks joke they contain everything but the cluck, and there’s a grain of truth to that. If you’re craving nuggets, consider homemade or a brand that sources whole chicken breast, so you know what you’re actually biting into.
3. Flavored Chips (Like Doritos & Cheetos)
They’re cheesy, spicy, and seriously addictive. But these flavor explosions often rely on MSG, artificial colors, and even trans fats to get that “can’t-eat-just-one” effect.
Every crunchy bite can spike your salt intake for the day, leaving your mouth tingling and your stomach wondering what happened. If you can’t resist the taste, maybe treat them like a rare indulgence.
4. Microwave Popcorn
Curling up with a movie and a buttery bag of popcorn is basically a cozy ritual. But the perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the bag’s lining and that mysterious “artificial butter” can put a damper on the fun.
Opting for stovetop or air-popped kernels is a nostalgic nod to simpler times. Plus, you can control exactly what goes on them—real butter, olive oil, or even a sprinkle of chili powder.
5. Sugary Breakfast Pastries
Toaster pastries promise a sweet, jammy center and a frosted coating that harks back to childhood. Underneath that brightly colored box, though, you’ll find refined sugar and artificial dyes aplenty.
The result is a quick energy spike followed by the dreaded mid-morning slump. If you’re craving something sweet for breakfast, you’re better off making homemade muffins or enjoying a piece of real fruit.
6. Aspartame-Sweetened Diet Sodas
They claim zero calories, yet the aspartame used to sweeten them has been hotly debated for years. Some folks say it triggers headaches or affects metabolic health.
If you’re hooked on that bubbly rush, consider switching to sparkling water with a splash of juice. You might find you enjoy the gentler sweetness without the controversy.
7. High-Fructose Corn Syrup Products
This sneaky sweetener pops up everywhere from soda cans to bread loaves. It’s cheaper than regular sugar and can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a host of other issues.
The tricky part? It’s often hidden behind ingredient lists that read like a novel. A quick label check can help you dodge the HFCS landmines lurking in your pantry.
8. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) in Sodas
BVO helps keep citrus flavor suspended in some soft drinks, giving them that vibrant look. Unfortunately, it’s banned in several countries because of potential toxicity.
If your favorite fruity soda lists BVO, you might be swallowing more than just fizz. Try looking for brands that use safer alternatives like glycerol ester of wood rosin (sounds wild, but it’s less controversial).
9. Titanium Dioxide in Candies & Processed Foods
Ever wonder how some frostings or candies get that dazzling whiteness? Titanium dioxide is often the culprit. Concerns exist around its potential health risks, including cellular damage.
While it’s not proven dangerous in small amounts, countries like France have taken a hard stance against it. The next time you’re lured by a candy’s shimmering coat, maybe check that label first.
10. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Snacks & Seasonings
MSG is a flavor enhancer that makes chips and seasoning packets taste extra savory. But it also has a long history of controversy, with reports of headaches or “MSG symptom complex.”
Still, the science is murky, and many folks eat MSG-laden foods without issue. If you’re sensitive, though, you might want to experiment with leaving MSG out to see if you feel better.
11. Processed Deli Meats (Bologna, Salami, Ham, etc.)
They’re salty, tangy, and fit perfectly in a sandwich. Yet behind those deli counter smiles lurk nitrates and nitrites, which some studies link to an increased cancer risk.
If a thin slice of ham is all that stands between you and lunch happiness, look for brands advertising “nitrate-free” options. They’re not always perfect, but it’s a step up from the mystery meat zone.
12. American Cheese
This iconic, melty cheese product might crown your burger with a nostalgic glow. The catch? It’s loaded with emulsifiers, preservatives, and barely meets the legal definition of “cheese.”
Real cheddar or Swiss might cost a few extra pennies but deliver a purer dairy experience. If you can’t shake the American cheese craving, treat it as an occasional fling rather than a daily must-have.
13. Farm-Raised Salmon
Salmon is hailed as a superfood—unless it’s farmed with antibiotics and synthetic pigments to make it look rosy. Many fish farms also face concerns about crowded conditions and questionable feed.
Wild-caught salmon, though pricier, often has better flavor and fewer medication residues. If your budget’s tight, maybe enjoy salmon less frequently but opt for higher-quality options.
14. Fast-Food Burgers
Ah, the burger—fast, cheap, and oddly comforting. The downside? Preservatives, fillers, and questionable meat blends can lurk behind those toasty buns.
If you must indulge, choose a chain that’s transparent about sourcing or consider making burgers at home. That way, you know exactly what’s in every juicy bite.
15. Milk with rBGH/rBST Hormones
Cows injected with these hormones can produce more milk but also face higher infection rates. Some studies question the hormones’ impact on humans, and these are banned in many countries.
Going organic or hormone-free might ease your mind about what’s in your cereal bowl. You also support practices that many believe are kinder to the cows themselves.
16. GMO Soy & Corn Products
Corn chips, soy-based snacks, and even certain protein bars rely heavily on GMO crops. These are often doused with glyphosate, a controversial herbicide.
If the idea of pesticide-laden crops bothers you, look for the “Non-GMO Project” label. Or simply lean on foods with fewer processed ingredients altogether.
17. Conventionally Grown Strawberries & Spinach
These two top the “Dirty Dozen” list nearly every year, meaning they’re often laden with pesticide residue. It’s ironic since they’re otherwise super healthy.
Opting for organic versions can trim down the chemical load. If organic isn’t in the budget, thorough washing (or peeling, in some cases) can help, though it’s no perfect solution.
18. Imported Shrimp & Farmed Fish
The allure of cheap, plump shrimp sometimes means turning a blind eye to where it comes from. Many imported seafood operations use antibiotics and keep fish in less-than-ideal conditions.
Finding domestic, sustainably sourced shrimp or fish might be a bit pricier, but it generally offers a cleaner and more transparent supply chain. Your taste buds—and conscience—will likely approve.
19. Mass-Produced Wheat Bread
You might think a slice of wheat bread is automatically healthy. But mass-produced loaves often include chemical dough conditioners and preservatives, chipping away at that wholesome façade.
Look for breads labeled with “100% whole wheat” and minimal ingredients. Fewer unpronounceable chemicals typically means a better, fresher taste anyway.
20. Margarine & Artificial Buttery Spreads
Once pitched as “heart-healthy,” margarine is often chock-full of hydrogenated oils and emulsifiers. The yellow hue sometimes comes from artificial coloring, not real butterfat.
Moderation is key if you’re trying to watch saturated fat, but real butter (especially from grass-fed cows) might be a safer and tastier bet than these highly engineered spreads.
21. Energy Drinks
They promise a quick jolt of caffeine and a buzz of vitamins. In reality, many are sugar bombs with extra artificial stimulants that can spike your heart rate.
If you need energy, try coffee or tea, which offer a gentler boost. And if you’re really flagging, maybe get some extra sleep—your body will thank you more than an energy drink ever could.
22. Flavored Yogurts
They might scream “health!” with images of fruit on the label, but many contain as much sugar as candy. If you’re not careful, you can down half your daily sugar in a single cup.
Grab plain yogurt and toss in real berries if you crave that sweet flavor. It tastes fresher and spares you a boatload of added syrup and dyes.
23. Sugary Coffee Creamers
All those fun flavors—French vanilla, hazelnut, peppermint mocha—hide a world of synthetic oils, sweeteners, and unnamed “flavors.” They add more chemicals than actual cream.
A splash of real half-and-half or whole milk can deliver smoothness without the lab-born extras. Or, hey, drink your coffee black and call it a day.
24. Sports Drinks (Like Gatorade & Powerade)
Yes, athletes need electrolytes. But most of us aren’t running marathons daily, so guzzling these sugar-laden drinks just piles on empty calories.
They also contain artificial colors and preservatives, painting your tongue but not really helping your workout. Water or coconut water is often enough for your hydration needs.
25. Pre-Made Smoothies & Juices
They’re sold in glossy bottles or offered at trendy juice bars. But the sugar content can rival a milkshake, especially when they’re “enhanced” with syrups and sweeteners.
If you want a real fruit smoothie, blend up some fresh produce at home. You’ll dodge the hidden sugar, plus you get full control over the flavor and texture.