Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

More than half of the average American diet is filled with ultra-processed foods. Processed foods are less processed than ultra-processed foods and include items like bread, tofu, cheese, and canned food like canned beans.

Ultra-processed foods are pre-packaged foods that tend to have more preservatives and food coloring, also more added fat, sugar, and salt, along with artificial flavorings. These include foods like flavored salty snacks, pre-packaged desserts and candy, energy drinks and sodas, packaged meats, French fries and fast food. The consumption of ultra-processed food has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

More recently, a study of over 100,000 French adults found that ultra-processed foods significantly increased cancer risk. The results showed that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption resulted in a 12% increase in risk of developing any kind of cancer. Ultra-processed foods should be avoided as much as possible.