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Ultra-processed foods are ready-to-eat/heat & serve, industrial formulations made mostly or entirely from substances derived from foods, including flavors, colors, texturizers, and other additives, with little if any intact whole food. Ultra-processed foods, which are typically of low nutritional quality and high energy density, have been dominating the food supply of high income countries, and their consumption is markedly increasing in middle income countries. Ultra-processed food consumption accounts for 57% of daily energy intake among adults and 67% among youths in the US according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Ultra-processed foods usually disproportionately contribute added sugars, sodium, saturated fats and trans fats, and refined carbohydrates to the diet together with low fiber. As well as having low nutritional quality, ultra-processed foods may contain harmful substances, such as additives and contaminants formed during the processing.Growing evidence from large prospective cohorts show that ultra-processed food is associated with adverse health outcomes, such as overweight/obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.A systematic review showed that high ultra-processed food consumption was associated with increased risk of all cause mortality, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, depression, and postmenopausal breast cancer.15 However, few prospective cohort studies with a follow-up longer than 20 years have examined the association for all cause mortality or cause specific mortality, especially mortality due to cancer. High quality evidence from cohorts with a long follow-up is critical to inform dietary recommendations and food policies.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a major part of modern diets, but there is growing concern about their impact on health. These foods are typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, salt, preservatives, and artificial additives, and are often low in essential nutrients. Examples include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, fast food, processed meats, and ready-to-eat meals.
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