America's Shrinking Appetite for Ultraprocessed Foods Sparks Health Nut Renaissance
A report from the CDC reveals over half of American calorie intake comes from ultraprocessed foods, with lower consumption observed in recent years. Health experts suggest increased awareness of health impacts and a shift towards minimally processed food options are contributing to this change.
- Country:
- United States
According to a new federal report, over half of calories consumed by Americans are derived from ultraprocessed foods, renowned for their high sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat content. This category of super-tasty, energy-dense foods comprises a significant portion of the US diet, particularly among children and teenagers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made its findings using dietary data collected from August 2021 to August 2023. During this period, it was found that 55 percent of the total caloric intake for Americans aged one and older stemmed from these highly processed foods, which include popular items like burgers, sandwiches, sweet baked goods, and pizza.
CDC nutrition expert Anne Williams noted a surprising dip in the consumption of ultraprocessed foods over the past decade. The decline hints at an increasing awareness of their potential health impacts, as recent research publishes evidence supporting the benefits of shifting towards minimally processed foods for better health outcomes.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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