7 of the worst things I've eaten in the name of health in 2025

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As a food writer, I’ve tested my fair share of weird and wonderful things. But in 2025 I spent most of the year trying to eat better, or – more accurately – trying things the internet claimed were healthy. All in the name of journalism, of course. For me, it was the year of high-protein cakes, neat vinegar, frogspawn-texture breakfasts and olive oil shots at 7 am for “longevity”. A phrase so bleak it made me immediately rush to Pret for a chocolate croissant.

Below is my honest audit of the worst things I ate (and drank) in the name of health, plus expert insights from registered nutritionist Zara Hiridjee on whether any of them were actually worth it.

1. Cacao water

Up first, cacao water, marketed as “hydration plus antioxidants” and pushed as this sunny, tropical drink that boosts mood, brightens skin and somehow energises you. I’m a sucker for a good sports drink, and was excited at the prospect of a tropical, zingy lemonade.

In reality? Nothing of the sort. It’s slightly sweet, a tiny bit acidic, not offensive, just a bit bland. I didn’t get the mood-boosting magic, and my palate wasn’t exactly thanking me for the experience. It hasn’t fully landed in the UK yet, but it’s huge in the US, so I’m sure it’ll be on our shelves soon. At nearly £4 a bottle, though, I’m not convinced. With the explosion of electrolyte powders and hydration tablets, there are far better, and cheaper, ways to quench a thirst. Personally, a pinch of Cornish sea salt in water does more for me than any “supercharged” cacao infusion. Not glamorous, makes me cringe slightly, but absolutely effective.

What the nutritionist says: “Cacao water is one of those products that sounds innovative but, nutritionally speaking, doesn’t offer much. People assume that because cacao is rich in antioxidants, cacao water carries similar benefits. However, most of the antioxidant compounds come from the bean and the nib, not the pulp or husk that cacao water is made from. That means by the time it’s filtered, diluted and bottled, the flavanol content is very low, certainly not enough to have a measurable impact on health. That said, it isn’t harmful and is naturally hydrating, so if someone enjoys the taste and it helps them drink more fluids, that’s fine!”

What to try instead: olive’s cacao, banana, date and cashew bars are a much tastier way to enjoy cacao.

2. Olive oil shots

A personal low point of 2025 but the longevity crowd swore by it. Basically, take a straight shot of oil at 7 am and suddenly you’re an Italian Nonna with glowing skin and an enviable zest for life.

Reader, I believed them. I poured out a shot of my most expensive Citizens of Soil bottle, convinced I was about to become that woman. Instead, I immediately realised there is a reason olive oil is meant to be drizzled, gently, lovingly over tomatoes, not thrown down your throat before breakfast.

It’s not the flavour that’s the problem. Good olive oil tastes lovely. It’s the texture. A whole mouthful of warm, velvety oil slides down your oesophagus in a way that feels slightly alarming. It coats every surface on the way down. My gums felt moisturised for hours. The Mediterranean diet is wonderful, but it works because of actual meals: vegetables, beans, fish and olive oil on things.

What the nutritionist says: “Olive oil shots come from a place of good science, but the idea has been taken a bit further than the evidence supports. Extra-virgin olive oil is genuinely one of the healthiest fats we have, it’s rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which support heart health and help reduce inflammation. Where things get murky is the belief that drinking it straight somehow boosts those benefits. There’s no strong evidence that taking a shot on an empty stomach offers anything extra. In fact, having olive oil with food may actually help your body absorb certain vitamins and antioxidants more effectively.”

What to try instead: Drizzle your olive oil over sliced tomatoes, salads or cooked veggies.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar had another big year in 2025, fuelled by TikTok nutrition hacks promising everything from better digestion to magic blood-sugar control. The trend? Take a neat shot of ACV every morning “with the mother,” that cloudy, cobweb-like substance that bobs around in the bottle. The burn is immediate. It hits your lips, then your throat, then your stomach in one continuous fiery slide. My eyes watered. And the floaty strands of bacterial culture bobbing around made me feel like I was drinking something out of a Victorian apothecary.

It just doesn’t feel normal to stand in your kitchen before work knocking back a shot of something fiery. Here’s the thing: adding a splash of ACV to a salad dressing is lovely and far more civilised. Taking it like a shot of bootleg tequila? Horrendous.

What the nutritionist says: “Apple cider vinegar actually has a bit more evidence behind it. The acetic acid can help moderate blood-sugar rises after a carbohydrate-heavy meal by slowing gastric emptying and slightly improving insulin sensitivity. But that doesn’t mean you need to drink it neat. Undiluted vinegar can damage tooth enamel and irritate the throat or stomach, especially if you’re taking it regularly. A tablespoon diluted in plenty of water is more than enough if someone wants to try it and using it in dressings or marinades is an even easier, more sustainable way to include it.”

What to try instead: A simple salad dressing of apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard and olive oil.

4. Baking with protein powder

I am a big protein powder fan, but in smoothies, with lots of fruit and peanut butter. But with the humungous tub it comes in, I thought I should broaden my horizons in 2025. I made brownies with whey. I made banana bread with whey. I made pancakes with whey. Everything came out with the same miserable energy: dry, rubbery and chalky. Protein powder does many things well, but what it does not do is behave like flour. The moment it hits heat it turns into a strange spongy foam that tastes of disappointment.

What the nutritionist says: “Protein powder absolutely has its place but works best when it’s used in ways that actually taste and feel good. For some, it can be a really practical way to meet daily protein needs. Where people run into trouble is when they start baking it into everything. There’s nothing harmful about it, it just isn’t necessary. And it’s worth remembering that not every snack needs to be ‘high protein’. What really matters is your total intake over the day, ideally from a foundation of whole foods.”

What to try instead: These pancakes contain a whopping 30g of protein per serving, without any powder in sight.

5. Chia seed pudding

While nothing new, chia pudding had a full renaissance this year, pushed as the gut-friendly breakfast. Aesthetically, it looks great on Instagram, but I can’t quite get over the fact it feels like frogspawn and tastes thick, gelatinous and cold.

I want to like it. I tried adding berries, cinnamon, fancy milks, all the toppings. But there is no escaping the fact that chia seeds can swell to the size and texture of tapioca balls and turn your breakfast into something that feels mildly amphibian. I also regrettably tried what TikTok was describing as “the internal shower”, mixing chia seeds, lemon juice, water and (if you’re truly unhinged) psyllium husk. Then drink it quickly “before it gels”. My verdict? Don’t.

What the nutritionist says: “Chia seeds have earned their place in the wellness world, even if they’ve been a little overhyped at times. They’re genuinely nutritious, rich in soluble fibre, which helps slow digestion, steady blood sugar and keep you feeling full for longer. They also provide plant-based omega-3s, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants, so a small amount does go a long way. The key is how you use them. A chia pudding can absolutely be a balanced breakfast, but it’s important to add some protein and healthy fats so it isn’t just fibre on its own. Mixing chia with milk or yoghurt and topping it with fruit or nuts is usually enough, a few tablespoons is all you need to get the benefits. The ‘internal shower’ drink is where things get a bit unnecessary and isn’t any more effective than simply eating enough fibre and staying hydrated. It won’t harm most people in small amounts, but too much fibre at once without enough fluid can actually make you feel bloated or uncomfortable.”

What to try instead: Try sprinkling chia on top of your smoothie bowl or yoghurt without soaking them, for the nutrition without the goo.

6. Sea moss gel

Sea moss gel was crowned the superfood of early 2025, touted as containing “92 essential minerals” and capable of transforming energy, digestion and skin. I bought a jar in a moment of weakness (and targeted ads). It looks like translucent jelly and tastes like the inside of a tide pool. Mixed into smoothies, it adds a faintly marine flavour and a texture that’s more specimen jar than superfood. It sat in my fridge for two weeks before I admitted defeat and threw it away. Even the bin seemed offended.

What the nutritionist says: “Sea moss gel is one of those wellness trends that exploded online because it sounds incredibly nutrient-rich, but the science behind it is still pretty limited. Sea moss (or Irish moss) is a type of red seaweed, and like most seaweeds, it does contain iodine, potassium, magnesium and other trace minerals. Those nutrients are real, but the actual amounts depend entirely on where the moss was grown, how it was processed, and how much you’re taking. By the time it’s blended into a gel, those levels can vary massively. The most consistent benefit is likely the iodine, which supports healthy thyroid function, but that can be a double-edged sword. Too much can actually disrupt thyroid hormone balance, especially if you’re already getting iodine from other foods or supplements. That’s why it’s important not to overdo it or assume that more equals better.”

What to try instead: Different seaweeds have different nutrition profiles, but most are good sources of various minerals. Japanese food is a great place to incorporate some naturally into your diet.

7. Savoury protein pudding

No trend shocked me quite as much as savoury protein pudding: cold, oaty or silky puddings flavoured with things like bone broth. I watched people online make ones with chicken gravy, eggs and chia seeds loaded up with salad.

I’ll admit one variation almost fooled me. It was cottage cheese blended with olives, tomatoes and herbs, and it actually looked delicious… until I remembered that, fundamentally, it was still a chia-heavy pudding masquerading as lunch. And look, I know in some cultures savoury puddings are a delicacy (like Turkish milk pudding, and Sichuan tofu pudding which I think I’d genuinely love), but these 2025 interpretations were not that.

What the nutritionist says: “The ingredients in these savoury ‘protein puddings’ aren’t the issue – eggs, cottage cheese and chia seeds are all nutritious. The problem is the form. When you blend everything into a pudding-like texture, you lose the taste and sensory satisfaction that come from eating a normal meal. You may get the nutrients, but it’s rarely filling or enjoyable, and that can actually lead to more cravings later. You’ll get the same benefits, and usually far more pleasure, by eating those ingredients in a simple, balanced meal.”

What to try instead: Pretty much anything! But these high-protein meals are a good place to start.

I’ve finally accepted that the best health hack is painfully unsexy, just eat a balanced diet. It’s not glamorous and it won’t get viral, but it’s the best thing to do. While part of me is still on the hunt for that miracle superfood, if 2025 taught me anything, it’s this: don’t take your nutrition advice from social media health warriors unless they actually have qualifications. A lab coat emoji in a bio does not a dietitian make.