Ultra-Processed Foods Under Fire: What Consumers Need to Know

Debate Intensifies Over Impact of Processed Foods on Health

The health community is grappling with the definition and impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with public health advocates pointing to their role in rising chronic diseases across the nation.

Defining the Undefined

While common culprits like chips and soda are easily identified, the category of ultra-processed foods remains broadly defined. Many foods with beneficial nutrient profiles, such as tofu, certain canned fruits and vegetables, protein bars, and nut milks, also fall under this umbrella, leading to confusion.

“These are all quite processed and some of them can be classified as ultra-processed foods but because of their nutrient profiles, they might be better for us and not associated with the worst health outcomes,” explained **Michele Polacsek**, professor of public health at the University of New England.

Widespread Consumption, Growing Concern

With UPFs accounting for over 70% of American calorie intake, efforts to regulate or even definitively label them face significant challenges. **Marion Nestle**, a nutrition expert and emeritus professor at New York University, noted the difficulty in targeting these foods due to their pervasive presence in the American diet.

UPFs are characterized by manufactured ingredients and additives designed to enhance taste, appearance, and shelf life. Research increasingly links these foods to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and mental health disorders, as highlighted in a 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal.

Government Action and Research Gaps

In response to growing concerns, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated a process to gather data for an official definition of ultra-processed foods. However, experts like **Polacsek** emphasize that more research is needed to pinpoint specific ingredients or processing methods responsible for negative health outcomes.

“We don’t have all the evidence we need. We need a lot more research on this.”

—Michele Polacsek, Professor of Public Health

Creating policy without sufficient data could be a misstep, **Polacsek** cautioned, advocating for concurrent funding for research into UPFs’ public health and industry impacts.

Navigating a Processed Food Landscape

In the interim, **Nestle** advises a reduction in UPF consumption while acknowledging that some may still contribute to a balanced diet. A 2023 study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture demonstrated that a diet comprising 91% UPFs could be structured for health, though it noted potential deficiencies in sodium and whole grains.

The core principle of healthy eating, according to **Nestle**, remains dietary variety. Consuming a wide range of minimally processed foods is key to maintaining good health.

Recent analysis from the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 16% increased risk of mortality from all causes compared to those with the lowest intake.

“The basic principle of healthy eating is variety. If you eat a lot of different kinds of food, and most of them are minimally processed, you’re doing fine,” **Nestle** concluded. “Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, it’s really important to enjoy what you eat.”