Ultra-Processed Foods Dominate Americans’ Diets
Local news
For the first time, a new study reveals exactly how much of what Americans eat comes from ultra-processed foods. The results are startling: more than half of the calories consumed at home are from these ready-to-eat meals and snacks often found prepackaged in grocery stores.
This, according to a new analysis, published in the Journal of Nutrition, suggests we need news ways to encourage healthier choices at the dinner table.
"The perception can be that ‘junk food’ and ultra-processed foods are equivalent," says study lead author, Dr. Julia Wolfson, associate professor in Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School’s Department of International Health. "Yet, ultra-processed foods encompass many more products than just junk food or fast food, including most items found in grocery stores. The proliferation and ubiquity of these foods on grocery store shelves is changing what we’re eating when we make meals at home."
These findings stem from an examination of data collected between 2003 and 2018 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) – a cornerstone in tracking American nutrition trends. Participants detailed their food consumption both at home and away from home for two separate days, painting a vivid picture of typical American eating habits.
Using the Nova Food Group Classification, researchers categorized foods into four categories: 1) unprocessed or minimally processed, 2) processed culinary ingredients, 3) processed foods, 4) ultra-processed.
The results showed that over 50% of calories from food consumed at home were attributed to ultra-processed foods, a number that climbed from 51% in 2003 to 54% in 2018. This trend held true across most demographic groups, with slightly lower numbers for Hispanics and higher-income households, never dipping below 49% for the high-income group or 47% for Hispanics.
Interestingly, about one-third of total calories originated from foods eaten away from home.
For individuals with less formal education, consumption of ultra-processed foods increased from 59.2% truly in 2003 to 67.1% of all away-from-home calories consumed in 2018. Equivalent values hovered around 60% for individuals with a high school degree or more.
This highlights a
regarding nutrition
These findings suggest we can no longer look away.
“We need strategies to help people choose less processed foods and avoid unhealthy options when purchasing foods for both at-home and away-from-home consumption,” notes Wolfson. "Stronger nutrition labeling that clearly identifies high ultra-processed food content might be beneficial.
The Dire Consequences of our Food Choices
Consuming high amounts of ultra-processed food has been linked to numerous health complications, including heart disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
"The considerable increase in consumption, combined with their disconnect from whole, minimally processed foods, is concerning," says Dr. Wolfson. "This underscores the urgent need for engaging solutions that equipped individuals to make healthier choices within a complex food environment" .
While these are preliminary conclusions, suggesting further study, researchers highlight the complex relationship between socioeconomic factors and food choices.
Similarly, the pandemic may have already subtly shifted these trends, a topic demanding further exploration.
