The spotlight is intensifying on ultra-processed foods, with prominent figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his allies pointing fingers at these often palatable snacks for their alleged contribution to the rise of chronic diseases across the United States. However, the precise definition of “ultra-processed food” remains elusive, sparking debate and confusion.
While many consumers readily identify ice cream, chips, and sodas as belonging to this category, the reality is more nuanced. A broad spectrum of foods, some of which can be integral to a healthy diet, also fall under the ultra-processed umbrella. This includes items like tofu, certain canned fruits and vegetables, protein bars, breakfast cereals, and nut milks.
Michele Polacsek, a professor of public health at the University of New England and an expert in promoting healthy eating habits, explains that while these foods may be significantly processed and could technically be classified as ultra-processed, their nutritional profiles can make them beneficial and not necessarily linked to the most severe health consequences.
This raises the question of whether these seemingly healthy, yet processed, items will also become targets. Marion Nestle, a distinguished nutrition expert and emeritus professor at New York University, suggests this is unlikely. “That would be impossible because of the way that Americans eat,” she states, citing research indicating that over 70% of daily calorie intake in the U.S. originates from ultra-processed foods.
Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods, often abbreviated as UPFs, are defined as products manufactured by food companies using a variety of industrial ingredients, as opposed to whole or minimally processed foods. A quick glance at the ingredient list of many packaged foods often reveals unfamiliar substances. According to Nestle, these are typically ultra-processed ingredients engineered to enhance taste, appearance, and shelf life.
The Health Implications of UPFs
Mounting research suggests that UPFs tend to displace healthier food choices and encourage overconsumption of calories. A comprehensive study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 linked ultra-processed foods to approximately 30 different health conditions. These include a range of serious issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various forms of cancer, and even mental health disorders.
In May, Kennedy and his “Make America Healthy Again” commission released a detailed 69-page report that specifically addressed the issue of ultra-processed foods. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in a statement on July 23 that the administration is actively seeking information and data to assist in the development of an official definition for ultra-processed foods.
The Need for Nuance and Further Research
While the initiative to define UPFs is viewed as a positive initial step, Polacsek emphasizes the significant variation among these products. She points out that insufficient data currently exists to pinpoint precisely which ingredients or processing methods within packaged foods are responsible for adverse health outcomes. “We don’t have all the evidence we need,” she asserts. “We need a lot more research on this.”
Polacsek cautions that enacting policy based solely on the current available data regarding ultra-processed foods would be a misstep. However, she expresses hope that if the administration proceeds with policy decisions based on a universal definition, relevant agencies will also commit funding to research the impact of UPFs on public health and the broader food industry.
Navigating a Diet Rich in Processed Foods
In the interim, Nestle advises consumers to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods. However, she also reminds people that some of these products can still contribute valuable nutrients to a balanced diet.
A 2023 study led by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture demonstrated that it is indeed possible to construct a healthy diet where 91% of calories are derived from ultra-processed foods. Nevertheless, the study’s authors noted that this particular diet was excessively high in sodium and lacked sufficient whole grains.
“The basic principle of healthy eating is variety,” Nestle reiterates. “If you eat a lot of different kinds of food, and most of them are minimally processed, you’re doing fine.” Ultimately, she concludes, “Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures; it’s really important to enjoy what you eat.”
