Ultra-processed foods (or UPFs) are foods produced by the food industry that are loaded with questionable additives, preservatives, artificial colors, and other ingredients. They can’t be made in home kitchens because many of the ingredients are industrially-made. 

UPFs are convenient, ready-to-eat, and often irresistible due to the high amount of sodium, sugars, and fats, specifically pro-inflammatory fats (for example, processed vegetable oils).

Examples of UPFs include sugary breakfast cereals, packaged breads, soft drinks, instant soups, frozen dinners, flavored yogurts, chips, and many more items common in our grocery stores. Even plant-based meats – often thought of as healthy alternatives – are considered to be ultra-processed foods.

Learn more in this 3-minute video about why ultra-processed foods are to be limited or avoided when possible: 

Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with increased risk of death and chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and more. 

To benefit health and well-being it is highly encouraged to greatly limit or eliminate ultra-processed foods.