A major study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 has found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with more than 30 health conditions, including cancer and diabetes. However, researchers stress that the findings do not prove direct causation.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are defined as packaged items such as baked goods, snacks, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, and ready-to-eat or heat products. These products undergo multiple industrial processes and often contain colours, emulsifiers, flavours, and other additives. They also tend to be high in added sugar, fat, and/or salt, and low in vitamins and fibre.
Health Conditions Linked to UPFs
The study, which drew on data from 9.9 million people worldwide, linked UPF consumption to over 30 health problems. The principal ones include cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep problems, asthma, some cancers, and high cholesterol.
The researchers concluded: "These findings support urgent mechanistic research and public health actions that seek to target and minimise ultra-processed food consumption for improved population health."
Causation vs. Correlation
It is crucial to recognise that while this study raises concerns, it does not conclusively establish the processing of food as the direct cause of health problems. These issues could also arise from the high fat, sugar, or salt levels in UPFs.
Common Ultra-Processed Foods in the UK
Typical sources of UPFs in the UK diet include factory-made bread, pre-packaged ready meals, breakfast cereals, sausages and other reconstituted meat products, confectionery, biscuits, pastries, buns and cakes, factory-made chips and fries, soft drinks, fruit drinks and fruit juices, salty snacks including crisps, and sauces, dressings and gravy.
Simple Dietary Swap Recommended
Dr Chris Van Tulleken, an expert on ultra-processed foods and author of Ultra Processed People, has recommended a straightforward dietary swap to improve health. Speaking to BBC Food, he suggested replacing jarred pasta sauce with passata mixed with herbs. "It's better than a pasta sauce and you could have it just as it is," he said.
