Can You Identify Ultra-Processed Foods? New Quiz Challenges Public Awareness
LONDON – November 21, 2025 - A new quiz released today by The Guardian tests public knowledge of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), a growing dietary concern linked too a range of health problems.The interactive assessment arrives as awareness of UPFs intensifies,prompting consumers to scrutinize ingredient lists and rethink shopping habits.
The increasing prevalence of UPFs in modern diets poses a important public health challenge. These foods, characterized by ingredients not typically used in home cooking - such as vegetable gums, modified starches, and hydrogenated oils – have been associated with obesity, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Experts warn that UPFs often displace nutrient-rich whole foods, contributing to nutritional deficiencies and overall poorer health outcomes.The quiz aims to empower individuals to make more informed food choices and navigate the complexities of the modern food system.
The quiz features questions designed to differentiate between minimally processed foods and those undergoing extensive industrial change.One question asks participants to identify the ingredient that would classify a plant-based milk as ultra-processed, with the correct answer being “Vegetable gum (Gellan).” This highlights how seemingly innocuous additives can signal a high degree of processing. Other questions explore the impact of ingredients like vitamin B12 and vegetable oils.
Results are categorized into two tiers: those scoring below six out of a possible total are encouraged to learn more about UPFs, while those achieving six or more are lauded for their ability to identify these foods. The quiz emphasizes that recognizing UPFs isn’t always straightforward, but increased awareness is a crucial step toward healthier eating.
The quiz is available at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/21/ultra-processed-foods-quiz.
