Ultraprocessed Foods

🚨 More Than Half of U.S. Calories Come from Ultraprocessed Foods

A CDC report reveals the scale — and the risks — of America’s processed diet.

📊 Key Statistics

  • Adults: 53% of daily calories from ultraprocessed foods
  • Children: 62% of daily calories from ultraprocessed foods
  • Decline from 2017–2018: Adults (↓ from 56%), Children (↓ from 66%)
  • Ultraprocessed foods make up 70% of the U.S. food supply

⚠️ Why It Matters

Ultraprocessed foods are often:

  • High in calories, added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats
  • Low in fiber and essential nutrients
  • Linked to:
  • Obesity & weight gain
  • Cancer
  • Depression

“There are no health benefits associated with eating ultraprocessed foods.”

— Dr. Tasha Stoiber, Environmental Working Group

📜 Policy & Action

Ultraprocessed foods policy and there action:

  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made this a priority in his Make America Healthy Again agenda.
  • Goals include:
  • Officially defining ultraprocessed foods
  • Limiting them in public assistance programs
  • Encouraging states to implement SNAP restrictions

“Ultra-processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic. We must act boldly.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

🍔 Biggest Calorie Contributors

  • Burgers & sandwiches
  • Sweet bakery products (cakes, cookies, pastries)
  • Savory snacks (chips, crackers)
  • Sweetened beverages (soda, sports drinks)
  • Pizza (especially in children’s diets)

Fun fact: Burgers and bakery goods together = 1 in every 7 calories Americans eat.

💰 Diet & Income

  • Wealthier adults consume fewer ultraprocessed foods.
  • Lower-income families often rely on them due to:
  • Cheaper prices
  • Limited access to fresh, whole foods
  • SNAP benefits currently have no restrictions on ultraprocessed foods.
  • At least 12 states have requested waivers to limit certain products.

👶 Children at Higher Risk

  • Kids’ diets have been heavier in ultraprocessed foods for over a decade.
  • Early exposure shapes lifelong eating habits.
  • Heavy marketing targets children directly.
  • MAHA’s report (despite factual errors) identified these foods as a driver of chronic disease in children.

💡 How to Reduce Ultraprocessed Food Intake

  • Replace snacks with fruits, vegetables, nuts
  • Cook more meals from scratch
  • Limit sugary drinks — opt for water or unsweetened beverages
  • Choose whole grain breads, pastas, and cereals
  • Read food labels — avoid products with long ingredient lists
📌 Source:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NOVA food classification system.