Blog: Avoiding Ultra-Processed Foods – Helpful or Overhyped?

Avoiding Ultra-Processed Foods – Useful Advice or Useless Label?

Our latest blog explores the debate around the term “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs) and whether advising people to avoid them is helpful or overly simplistic.

The Case Against the Term “Ultra-Processed Foods”

• • Oversimplification: The term lumps together a wide variety of foods, some of which may have benefits (e.g., fortified foods).
  • Potential Misuse: Demonizing UPFs may lead people to unnecessarily avoid foods that could complement a healthy diet.
  • Nuance Matters: Just as not all fats are bad, not all UPFs are entirely harmful, making broad labels unhelpful for nuanced dietary choices.

The Case for Avoiding UPFs

• Nutritional Deficiency: UPFs often lack essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while being rich in sugar, refined carbs, and processed fats.
• Additives & Overeating: Ingredients like flavour enhancers and additives can disrupt hunger signals, leading to overeating and even addiction.
• Health Risks: A growing body of evidence links UPFs to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, and shorter lifespans.
• Practical Simplicity: Public health advice should be simple. Encouraging avoidance of UPFs often leads to healthier food choices overall.

Read our latest blog