More Than Half Of What Americans Eat Is Ultra-Processed

Key Points:

• A new report by Healthy Eating Research offers a clear definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and ranks policy options for lawmakers to address their widespread consumption, which exceeds half of American adults' calorie intake and is even higher among children.
• UPFs are industrially made products with few whole-food ingredients and additives uncommon in home cooking, such as artificial colors, emulsifiers, and protein isolates; a study found 72% of U.S. packaged foods meet this definition, highlighting the prevalence of UPFs in the food supply.
• Research links high UPF consumption to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues, obesity, and early death, with effects attributed to factors beyond nutrient content, including addictive properties and potential disruption of gut bacteria.
• Policy efforts targeting UPFs have surged recently but often lack consistent definitions; the expert panel recommends defining UPFs by ingredient markers and suggests priority policies like targeted taxes, school procurement restrictions, labeling, and countermarketing campaigns, emphasizing equity to avoid burdening low-income populations.
• The report aims to inform ongoing federal efforts to define UPFs and provides a practical framework for policymakers to tackle the health challenges posed by the engineered, highly palatable ultra-processed food environment in the U.S.