There are 3 pillars of taste: Sugar, Salt and Fat. As a society, we are addicted to all of them. When not taken in moderation, each one can kill us.
If you compare a low fat item to its regular fat equivalent, you will always see that salt and/or sugar have been increased to compensate. Similarly, low sugar items usually have more salt and/or oil.
As a manufacturer, I don’t think there is any conspiracy, if it doesn’t taste as good, people won’t buy it.
The produce section is usually at the entrance of most North American grocery stores. But the consumers buy/eat too few fruits and vegetables simply because they don’t taste as good as the processed stuff. (and not as convenient).
A good rule of thumb is to stick to the perimeter of the grocery store when looking for the healthiest foods.
Personally, I try to avoid the processed boxed/packaged foods found down the aisles when I shop.