(UPF) Ultra Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are products that undergo multiple industrial processing steps and typically contain ingredients not commonly found in home kitchens, such as artificial flavourings, colours, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other additives. Examples include items like packaged snacks, instant meals, sugary drinks, and mass-produced baked goods.

The term is rooted in food classification systems (like NOVA) that categorize foods based on their degree of processing, separating ultra-processed items from minimally processed or whole foods. While convenience and a long shelf life are hallmarks, ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, and fat, and tend to be low in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Debates about ultra-processed foods focus on their potential links to health issues—including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes—as well as the role of misinformation and context: not all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy, and access or food security are important factors. The key to making informed choices is focusing on overall dietary patterns and moderation, rather than demonising ingredients or categories without context

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