Over half of many Americans’ total calories consumed come from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), says a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the research found that between August 2021 and August 2023, UPFs accounted for 55% of total calories consumed in individuals aged one and older.
Youth ages 1 to 18 consumed more calories from UPFs than adults: 61.9% of calories versus 53% among those 19+.
Within the youth segment, children ages 6–11 consumed the highest percentage of UPFs (64.8% of calories) with youths 12–18 following close behind (63%).
Calories from UPFs decrease with age: Adults ages 19–39 consumed 54.4% of calories from ultra-processed foods, while adults 40–59 consumed 52.6% and adults 60 and older consumed 51.7%.
However, UPF consumption was lower in respondents with the highest family income than those in lower income brackets. UPF consumption accounted for just over 50% for adults with incomes 350% above the federal poverty level; the number rose to 54.7% for those with incomes less than 130% and 55.3% for those with incomes 130%–349% of the poverty level.
“A decrease was seen in ultra-processed food consumption among youth and adults between 2017–2018 and August 2021–August 2023, and a decrease was seen among adults from 2013–2014 to August 2021–August 2023,” the research notes.
The CDCs research comes a few months after the release of the MAHA report, which called out UPFs and childhood obesity (and has both supporters and detractors).
Updating the Nova classification system
Sandwiches, including burgers, and sweet bakery products were the top UPFs consumed among both youth and adults. Others mentioned in the research include savory snacks, pizza, sweetened beverages as well as mass-produced breads, rolls, and tortillas.
The research uses the NOVA classification system’s definition for UPFs: “industrial formulations of processed foods that typically contain unnatural additives, such as colorings or emulsifiers.”
Nova was developed in 2009 and categorizes foods according to four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods; processed culinary ingredients; processed foods; and ultra-processed foods.
This classification has been controversial since it first emerged. Among its critics there is consensus that the system is vague as to what “processed” and “ultra-processed” mean, and that healthy foods could get labeled UPFs as a result.
Some efforts, most notably from Novo Nordisk Foundation and University of Copenhagen, are underway to establish an updated system.
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