What Is ‘Harmful’ Ultra-Processed Food?

You’ve probably heard lately about the risks of ultra-processed food, or UPF. What you might not know is that UPF may not all be the same when it comes to our health.

Some UPF can create health risks, particularly when eaten in excess. American adults get more than half their calories from UPF. Kids get even more – 67% – and exposure to UPF at an early age shapes lifelong eating habits. The health costs are significant, with rising rates of chronic disease associated with UPF consumption.

High consumption of UPF has been linked to health harms, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and early death.

But how can consumers know which UPF might be considered harmful?