Ultra-processed Food Overload: Are We Eating Ourselves Sick?
How much ultra-processed foods are Americans eating? A lot, according to a CDC study released this week. This is concern not only for health reasons but also because Americans youth are consuming even more ultra-processed foods.
How much ultra-processed foods are Americans eating?
Although young children aged 1-5 consume fewer calories from ultra-processed foods, those ages 6-11 and 12-18 consume well over 50% of their calories from ultra-processed foods as the chart indicates. (See: Ultra-processed Foods, Chemicals, and Chronic Illness: RFK Jr.’s MAHA Report About Children’s Health in America .) But even older adults, those 60 and over consume over 50% of their calories from ultra-processed foods.
There is no one standard definition of ultra-processed foods, but most experts relay on the NOVA classification system. Basically, ultra-processed foods are:
· Industrially formulated products with little to no whole food content
· Made with ingredients not commonly found in home kitchens
· Examples include:
- Sugary drinks
- Packaged snacks
- Instant noodles, instant soups
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Mass-produced breads and cereals, energy bars
NOVA puts food into groups: 1. Unprocessed or minimally processed 2. Processed with added ingredients such as salt, sugar and oil 3. Canned fruits, vegetables, salted meats. 4. Ultra-processed foods. (See: Is Your Favorite Snack an Ultra-Processed Food?)
Consuming over 55% of daily calories for U.S. adults—and 62% for children—from ultra-processed foods is a dietary pattern is fueling a national epidemic of chronic illness.
⚠️ What are the Top Health Concerns of Ultra-Processed Foods?
1. Chronic Disease and Other Risk Factors
- Diets high in UPFs are linked to increased risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Certain cancers
- Early death
- Mental health problems
- Sleep problems
2. Digestive & Metabolic Disruption
- UPFs often contain additives, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners that may:
- Disrupt gut microbiota
- Contribute to metabolic imbalances
- Affect liver and pancreatic function
3. Nutrient Deficiency
- These foods are typically:
- Low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- High in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats
- Leading to excess calorie intake without nutritional benefit
🥦 Smart Strategies to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
1. Follow the 80/20 Rule
- Aim for 80% whole foods (fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains) and allow 20% for processed indulgences. If you are now eating more than 50% of your calories from ultra-processed foods, then start cutting back and work towards lowering your intake to 20% or less.
2. Read Ingredient Labels
- Watch for long ingredient lists with unfamiliar additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners. (See: Processed foods and your health)
- If you wouldn’t cook with it at home, consider skipping it.
- (Note: Dr. Jeremy London, cardiologist, often says, The longer the shelf life, the shorter your life. Mel Robbins podcast: Top Surgeon’s 5 Tips to Live Longer.)
3. Prep Meals Ahead
- Schedule a weekly meal prep day to avoid relying on packaged convenience foods.
- Batch cook soups, grains, and proteins to mix and match throughout the week.
4. Swap Smart
- Replace refined grains with whole grains (e.g., brown rice, whole wheat pasta).
- Make your own salad dressings, granola, or trail mix to avoid hidden sugars and additives.
5. Keep Healthy Snacks Handy
- Stock your kitchen with fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and veggie sticks.
- These options reduce the temptation to grab ultra-processed snacks on the go.
6. Limit Sugary Drinks
- Replace soda and sweetened beverages with water, herbal teas, or fruit-infused water.
- Even “healthy” bottled smoothies can be ultra-processed depending on ingredients.
7. Cook More at Home
- Homemade meals give you full control over ingredients.
- Try recreating your favorite processed foods with whole ingredients—like veggie chips or oatmeal cookies.
8. Think of UPFs as Treats
- You don’t need to eliminate them entirely. Just treat them like occasional indulgences, not daily staples.
9. Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store
- The healthiest foods are on the perimeter of the store. Shop the fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, real dairy and eggs. Real 100% juice is on the perimeter. Choose most of your groceries from the outer edges of the grocery store where fresh, whole foods are typically located.
✅ Conclusion: Rethinking What’s on Our Plates
The data is clear—ultra-processed foods dominate the American diet, and the consequences are showing up in our health, especially among children. But awareness is the first step toward change. By understanding what ultra-processed foods are and how they affect our bodies, you can make smarter choices that support long-term wellness.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Start small: read labels, cook more at home, and treat ultra-processed foods as the occasional indulgence they were meant to be. With each mindful swap, you're not just cutting back on additives, you’re investing in better energy, stronger immunity, and a healthier future for yourself and your family.
Because when it comes to food, less processing often means more nourishment.
Sources: CDC study, Ultra-processed Foods, Chemicals, and Chronic Illness: RFK Jr.’s MAHA Report About Children’s Health in America , NOVA classification system , Is Your Favorite Snack an Ultra-Processed Food? , risk of , Disruption , Deficiency , 80/20 Rule , Labels , Processed foods and your health , Top Surgeon’s 5 Tips to Live Longer , Meals , Swap , Healthy Snacks , at Home , Treats , Perimeter Image Sources: Ultra-processed food consumption by age , Types of Unprocessed and Processed Foods
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