Ultra Processed Foods

8 articles

A person looking concerned in a grocery store aisle filled with ultra-processed foods, highlighting the dominance of these products in modern diets.
Nutrition

Ultra-processed foods are now over half of US diets, fueling disease.

In the United States and the United Kingdom, over half of the average dietary energy intake comes from ultra-processed foods, a stark contrast to Italy's mere 10%.

Ryan Patel·July 6, 2026
Split image contrasting a vibrant, healthy ecosystem with a barren, polluted one, symbolizing the impact of dietary policy on environmental health.
Nutrition

Rethinking Protein: Environmental Impact and Policy Challenges

The US's 2026 dietary guidelines update, by emphasizing increased protein and red meat consumption, is projected to offset up to 32% of potential environmental benefits gained from eliminating ultra-p

Ryan Patel·July 4, 2026
A visual comparison of healthy, unprocessed food versus unhealthy, ultra-processed food, illustrating the stark differences in their appearance and potential health implications.
Nutrition

What is the impact of ultra-processed foods on long-term health?

In a landmark study, participants consuming an ultra-processed diet ingested approximately 500 kcal/day more than those on an unprocessed diet.

Ryan Patel·June 8, 2026
A diverse panel of nutrition experts debating and analyzing data on ultra-processed foods and potential policy exemptions.
Nutrition

Expert Panel Recommends Exempting Healthy Ultra-Processed Foods

Americans consume over half their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, a staggering 55%, even as cities like San Francisco sue manufacturers for alleged harm.

Ryan Patel·May 18, 2026
A close-up of fresh, ripe dates at a market stall, symbolizing a consumer shift towards natural snacks.
Trends

Date sales surge as consumers ditch ultra-processed snacks

US date sales surged by 28% in the last 12 months, reaching $150 million, according to NielsenIQ, as consumers abandon ultra-processed snacks for natural alternatives.

Isabella Cortez·May 16, 2026
US teenagers surrounded by excessive amounts of ultra-processed foods, looking worried about their dietary choices and the health implications.
Nutrition

Ultra-processed food intake exceeds 60% for US youth, sparking new debate.

In a randomized controlled study, participants consuming an ultraprocessed diet consumed 500 more calories per day than those on an unprocessed diet, leading to a two-pound weight gain in just two wee

Ryan Patel·May 10, 2026
A grocery cart filled with ultra-processed foods, symbolizing the dominant dietary intake in the United States according to recent CDC findings.
Nutrition

Ultra-processed foods now make up over half of U.S. diets

More than half of all calories consumed by Americans aged one and older now come from ultra-processed foods, a dietary shift observed between August 2021 and August 2023, according to the CDC .

Ryan Patel·April 16, 2026
An illustrative image showing the dichotomy of food fortification, with natural whole foods contrasting with fortified processed foods, highlighting the public health debate.
Nutrition

Food Fortification: A Necessary Fix or a Band-Aid on a Broken Food System?

Food fortification is a powerful public health tool to combat widespread nutrient deficiencies, but its reliance on ultra-processed foods sparks debate. This article explores the paradox, examining its benefits, risks, and the complex path to a healthier food system.

Ryan Patel·March 30, 2026