21/11/2025
We all know ultra processed food isn’t good for us, but lots of people think it is ok really. It isn’t! Please read this article.
Action is needed now to reduce ultra-processed food (UPF) in diets worldwide because of their threat to health, say international experts in a global review of research, in a BBC article this week.
The researchers writing in the Lancet say that the way our diets are changing - moving away from fresh, whole foods towards highly-processed meals - is increasing our risk of a range of chronic diseases, including obesity and depression. They say that government action, like health warnings and higher taxes on UPF products, to help fund access to more expensive, nutritious foods are needed.
While the researchers are clear that they believe action is needed, the article also quotes scientists who say that this review can not prove that UPFs directly cause health harms and flag that more research and trials are needed to give a clear correlation between UPFs and poor health outcomes.
UPFs occupy a polarising position in the media and online debates. To some they're cheap, available and efficient options, while to others they're likely behind a host of serious health issues, and to be avoided at all costs.
While it's true that there's no research that directly links UPFs to poor health outcomes, undoubtedly, a diet that's focused on fresh whole foods is going to be better for you. But we think there is nuance to be found, and demonising specific foods isn't necessarily the answer.
Food is complicated - the choices we make are influenced by so many things; our wealth, where we live (and what's available to us), our lifestyles and working hours as well as social factors like our education and upbringings. And we don't think all UPFs equal bad choices - some may make healthy choices easier and more accessible. A curry paste, for example, might make a quick curry, full of veg and protein, more realistic.
It's good to see the issue discussed, and with some nuance and differing viewpoints. And we'd certainly love to see more veg and wholefoods on the menu!
But we have to be careful not to completely demonise UPFs, when for many of us, removing them entirely may not be affordable or realistic.
