Ultra-processed foods are ubiquitous in the United States, accounting for around 70 percent of the U.S. food supply and 60 percent of adult diets. However, the impact of ultra-processed foods on human health is a relatively new topic and much has yet to be discovered about which specific foods are harmful, to what degree they are harmful, or even why they are so harmful.
, with a survey from 2024 finding only 32 percent of adults were familiar with the term.
What are ultra-processed foods?
The term ultra-processed foods comes from the NOVA classification of grouping foods, which was developed by researchers in Brazil, and is recognized by many groups, including the World Health Organization (WHO), but not the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In NOVA there are four main food groups: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as eggs, nuts, and fresh vegetables and meat; processed culinary ingredients like salt, vegetable oil, and butter; processed foods such as canned fruit and vegetables, salted nuts, and cheeses; and ultra-processed foods like ice cream, sweet and savory snacks, and soft drinks. Ultra-processed foods often undergo numerous industrial processes and contain additives not usually used in home cooking that enhance their taste, appearance, color, and shelf life. Ultra-processed foods are often low in vitamins and fiber and high in fat, sugar, and salt. A survey of U.S. adults from 2023 found that the
leading reasons for choosing ultra-processed foods were for the taste, convenience, longer shelf life, and typically lower price. However, a different survey from 2024 found that 79 percent of U.S. adults do
consider whether food is processed before purchasing it, with this share increasing with household income.
The health impacts of ultra-processed foods
In recent years, several studies have looked at the health impacts of consuming ultra-processed foods and have found them associated with a higher risk of developing a number of health issues including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. For example, a study published in 2024 that conducted a review of 45 meta-analyses including almost 10 million people found high consumption of ultra-processed foods associated with 32 negative health outcomes including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, hypertension, Crohn’s disease, and obesity. Furthermore, the study found that a high intake of ultra-processed foods increased the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 50 percent and the risk of death from any cause by 21 percent. However, some researchers have argued against demonizing all ultra-processed foods and the definition itself for being too wide in the range of foods it includes. For example, some ultra-processed foods like certain breads and cereals contain fiber and reduce the risk of diseases, while others like sugary drinks have almost no nutritional value and clearly increase the risk of many health issues.
Health can require sacrifices
As research into the health effects of ultra-processed foods has developed, so has awareness among the public of the health risks associated with these foods. For example, in 2023, around 57 percent of
adults in the United States believed ultra-processed foods were bad for them. Moreover, another survey revealed that more adults have
decreased their consumption of ultra-processed foods in the last six months than increased consumption, although the majority have not changed their consumption at all. It can be difficult to change eating habits and behaviors even when the health risks are clear. Nevertheless, although more research is needed to really understand how ultra-processed foods affect the human body, early evidence suggests people should reconsider their consumption of these foods. However, for many this is easier said than done when tasty treats like ice cream and soda are on the line.
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