20/11/2025
With ultra-processed foods dominating headlines right now, I think it's time for a more balanced conversation. The term ‘ultra-processed food’ (UPF) lumps together everything from energy drinks to baby formula, fortified cereals, and plant-based milk - but of course they're not nutritionally equivalent.
Many people depend on UPFs because of medical conditions, sensory sensitivities, time, or cost, and demonising an entire category risks alienating those who don’t have the privilege of choice. That doesn't mean we should just accept our current food environment though. With children having around 80% of their diet made up of UPFs, we’re clearly not striking the right balance, and that needs to be addressed. We can’t all go back to eating nothing but whole foods - we need practical, systemic solutions.
Bottom line: processing level does not always equal healthfulness.
Here’s an article I wrote about this subject, following the recent Joe Wicks documentary - https://www.foodfacts.org/articles/joe-wicks-killer-protein-bar-ultra-processed-food-upf
As always, let me know if you have any questions ⬇️
Joe Wicks’ controversial “KILLER” protein bar sparks debate on ultra-processed foods, but experts say the real issue is misinformation, not ingredients.
