Food Fight: The Struggle To Define Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-Bad: We’ve heard plenty about the hazards of eating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) over the past few years. They’re linked to at least 32 health problems, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, mental health conditions — even a greater risk of death from any cause. But despite the consensus on how bad these foods are, experts struggle to define them.

The Disagreement: Some researchers say the current definition casts too wide a net, and can sweep in foods that are otherwise pretty healthy, like whole-grain bread, frozen veggies, and canned beans. Others argue that the degree of processing is what really matters, because these foods can hit our blood sugar, appetite, and gut in different ways than minimally processed options. 

What To Do: Apps like Zoe can help you scan foods and get personalized feedback, but you don’t need a gadget to make better choices. Scan the ingredient list: if it’s long, full of emulsifiers, dyes, and flavorings you don’t recognize, it’s probably better as once-in-a-while food than an everyday staple.