{"id":35376,"date":"2022-06-29T15:50:44","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T13:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getindya.com\/?p=35376"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:30:50","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T16:30:50","slug":"what-are-ultra-processed-foods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getindya.com\/en\/what-are-ultra-processed-foods\/","title":{"rendered":"What are ultra-processed foods?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You have definitely heard of them. Whether you are short on time or energy, there is always an excuse to buy <\/span>ultra-processed foods<\/b> at the supermarket or order a takeaway. Making them your everyday default can affect your diet sooner than you think.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relying on these foods and always eating out can take its toll, because we have less control over ingredients and preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n

But do you know what these products are and why everyone is talking about them?<\/span><\/p>\n

(<\/span>Don’t worry<\/span><\/i>. We have included some recipes at the end to help you rely on them less.)<\/span><\/p>\n

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What counts as an ultra-processed food?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An <\/span>ultra-processed food<\/b> is an industrial formulation, often <\/span>made from substances derived from foods<\/b> with ingredients and processes not typically used in home cooking. Industrial production alone does not make every food ultra-processed.<\/span><\/p>\n

These products are often <\/span>high in calories<\/b>, <\/span>saturated fat<\/b> and <\/span>sugar<\/b>, and may contain <\/span>additives<\/b> such as colours, sweeteners and preservatives. Their composition varies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does that sound appealing? Perhaps not. But additives and <\/span>flavour enhancers<\/b> can make these foods particularly attractive and palatable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ingredients used in <\/span>ultra-processed foods<\/b> may also undergo industrial processes that change their nutritional properties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples include partial <\/span>hydrogenation<\/b>, which can produce <\/span>trans fats<\/b>, and <\/span>refining flour and grains<\/b>, which reduces their fibre content.<\/span><\/p>\n


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Types of processing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So whenever I see processed food at the supermarket, should I grab my trolley and run?<\/span><\/p>\n

No. That is not what we mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all processing methods<\/b> used for foods on supermarket shelves <\/span>are the same<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NOVA system classifies foods by the nature and extent of processing into 4 groups.<\/span><\/p>\n