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Diet & Nutrition

Ultraprocessed Foods

Industrial products that have largely replaced home-cooked meals.

Definition

Ultraprocessed foods (UPF) are industrial formulations containing ingredients rarely used in home cooking and additives improving palatability, texture, and shelf life.

How it works

The NOVA classification distinguishes 4 groups. UPF (group 4) include sugary drinks, sweetened cereals, industrial cooked meals, chips, industrial baked goods.

Role

Major nutritional risk factor associated with multiple chronic diseases.

Examples

  • Sugary drinks
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals
  • Industrial cooked meals
  • Chips
  • Industrial baked goods

Recommendations

Aim for less than 15% of energy intake from UPF. Read labels: more than 5 ingredients = warning sign.

Key takeaway

Ultraprocessed foods are the primary nutritional factor underlying chronic diseases in developed countries.

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