By Erie365NewsWriter 
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that both children and adults in the United States get more than half of their total daily calories from ultra-processed foods. This growing reliance on factory-made, heavily modified products is raising health concerns among nutrition experts and policymakers alike.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pointed to ultra-processed foods as a major factor in the rising rates of chronic diseases in America. Research increasingly supports this view, showing clear links between diets high in ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, and even early death.
What Counts as Ultra-Processed Food
In the U.S., there is no official definition for ultra-processed foods, so many experts turn to the NOVA classification system, developed in Brazil in 2009. NOVA divides foods into four categories:
- Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients like salt, sugar, and oils.
- Group 3: Processed foods, including canned vegetables or salted meats.
- Group 4: Ultra-processed foods, which are heavily altered through industrial processing.
Ultra-processed foods often contain additives, flavor enhancers, colorings, and substances derived from foods rather than whole ingredients. Common examples include soda, packaged snacks, instant soups, breakfast cereals, mass-produced breads, ready-to-eat meals, pizza, ice cream, and energy bars. These products generally contain little or none of their original whole food sources.
How to Spot Them in the Store
Experts say reading ingredient labels is one of the best ways to identify ultra-processed foods. If you see a long list of items you wouldn’t typically find in a home kitchen, that’s a sign the food is likely ultra-processed.
Nutritionists also recommend checking for high amounts of added sugars, fats, and calories. While food labels reveal ingredients, they don’t disclose how products are made, making it harder for consumers to know the extent of processing involved.
Why They’re a Health Concern
Studies have linked ultra-processed foods to multiple health risks. A 2024 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that people with the highest intake had a 4% increased risk of death from any cause and an 8% increased risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases.
Another 2024 study involving researchers from the U.S., France, Ireland, and Australia connected greater exposure to ultra-processed foods with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Beyond chronic illness, these foods often encourage overeating because they’re engineered for taste, convenience, and shelf life—factors that can lead to excess calorie consumption without providing much nutritional value.
Taking Small Steps Toward Change
Experts suggest gradual changes to reduce ultra-processed food intake. One approach is to prepare more meals at home using whole ingredients. Shoppers can also aim to swap one commonly purchased ultra-processed food for a less processed alternative during each grocery trip.
Public health leaders say policy could also play a role. Establishing a standardized definition for ultra-processed foods would help schools, supermarkets, and manufacturers decide which products to promote or limit. This could make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.
The Bigger Picture
The high percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods in the U.S. diet reflects a shift away from traditional, whole-food cooking toward faster, packaged options. While convenient, these foods can have long-term consequences for public health if consumed in excess.
By becoming more aware of what’s in our food and making mindful substitutions, individuals can take control of their diets. At the same time, coordinated efforts from policymakers and the food industry could help create an environment where healthier choices are more accessible and appealing.
For now, the advice from experts is simple: the fewer ultra-processed foods in your diet, the better your chances of supporting long-term health.