Despite a slight decrease, ultra-processed foods still account for over half of the typical American diet.
In a recent data brief released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been revealed that most Americans, particularly children, are consuming a large portion of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
According to the data, those aged 19 and older consumed approximately 53% of their calories from UPFs, while children between the ages of 1 and 18 consumed a higher percentage, at 61.9%. This represents a slight decrease from earlier years; for instance, youth UPF calorie intake dropped from 65.6% in 2017–2018 to 61.9% in 2021–2023, and adult UPF intake decreased from 55.8% in 2013–2014 to 53.0% in 2021–2023.
UPFs, which are energy-dense, hyperpalatable, and often high in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, contribute to the poor nutritional quality of diets in the U.S. These foods are inexpensive, convenient, and heavily marketed, often displacing healthier alternatives and traditional dietary patterns.
Health implications linked to high UPF consumption include an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, these foods may expose individuals to food additives and contaminants from processing that may have further health risks, and overall, they are poor sources of whole foods, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Organisations such as the American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend reducing UPF intake and increasing whole, minimally processed foods to improve health outcomes.
The increasing availability of UPFs has contributed to obesity rates worldwide. The Trump administration has linked UPFs to chronic diseases such as diabetes, while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed a desire to reduce the prevalence of UPFs in the American diet.
Recent coverage on the topic of UPFs in the American diet can be found on NPR, with the trend of UPF consumption in the U.S. being discussed in a recent article. The pandemic led to an interruption in the regular cycle of the study on UPF consumption in the U.S., with the last survey conducted in 2017-2018.
In conclusion, despite a modest recent decline, UPF consumption remains very high among Americans, especially children, and this high intake is strongly associated with negative health effects related to poor nutrition and chronic disease risk. Efforts are ongoing to provide dietary guidance and policy actions to limit UPF consumption and promote healthier diets.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Ultra-processed food consumption among US adults and children: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2017-2018. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Ultra-processed food consumption among US adults and children: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2021-2023. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
[3] NPR. (2023). The trend of ultra-processed food consumption in the U.S. NPR News.
[4] NPR. (2023). Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses efforts to reduce the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the American diet. NPR News.
[5] American Heart Association. (2021). Ultra-processed foods and cardiometabolic disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation.
- The excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, as stated in the American Heart Association's scientific statement.
- The health and wellness community, including organizations like the American Heart Association, is advocating for reducing UPF intake and increasing the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods to lower the risk of medical-conditions and improve overall health outcomes.
- Not only do UPFs contribute to poor nutritional quality in diets, but they may also expose individuals to food additives and contaminants from processing that can have further health risks, as seen in the studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fitness and exercise, along with a balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods, are essential components of a healthy lifestyle that can help manage chronic diseases.
