Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Created Equal
New Harvard research reveals the "bad actors" among processed foods.
New Harvard research reveals the "bad actors" among processed foods
The Reality Check
67% of American calories now come from ultra-processed foods.
But here's what 114,000+ adults followed for 30+ years just taught us:
Not all processed foods carry the same risk.
The "Bad Actors" Revealed
🔴 HIGH RISK
- Processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, deli meat)
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Artificially sweetened drinks
- Ultra-processed breakfast foods (sugary cereals)
🟡 MODERATE RISK
- Packaged snacks
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Dairy desserts
🟢 MINIMAL RISK
- Whole grain breads & cereals
- Fiber-rich processed foods
The Numbers
Highest UPF consumers vs. lowest consumers:
→ +4% risk of early death
→ +8% risk of neurodegenerative disease
But this was driven primarily by the "bad actors"
The Takeaway
It's not about eliminating all processed foods.
It's about knowing which ones to avoid.
🎯 Ready to see where your foods land on the risk spectrum?
Use the interactive tool below to discover the processing level and health risk of foods in your diet.
SOURCES
Ultra-processed foods—some more than others—linked to early death | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
High intake of ultra-processed foods—particularly processed meats, sugary breakfast foods, and sugar- or artificially sweetened beverages—may increase risk of early death, according to a Harvard Chan School study.
Staff Writer