A new report from federal health officials reveals that a significant number of Americans rely heavily on ultra-processed foods for their daily calorie intake. These foods, including burgers, sandwiches, sweet snacks, pizza, and sugary drinks, are major contributors to what people eat every day.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from August 2021 to August 2023, young Americans consumed nearly 62% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, while adults consumed about 53%. The CDC describes these foods as having high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt, while lacking essential nutrients and fiber. This kind of diet is linked to serious health issues, including an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, commented earlier this year about the dangers of such diets, stating that many are “poisoning ourselves” through ultra-processed foods.
The report further breaks down calorie sources, stating that 55% of calories consumed by individuals aged one and older came from ultra-processed foods during the study period. Interestingly, younger children consumed fewer ultra-processed calories than older ones, and older adults tended to consume less than younger adults. The report also found that lower-income adults are more likely to consume these foods compared to those with higher incomes.
There is some positive news; the report indicates a slight decline in ultra-processed food consumption over the last decade. For instance, adults went from consuming 56% of their calories from these sources in 2013-2014, while the figure was even higher for children at nearly 66% in 2017-2018.
For youth, the main sources of calories from ultra-processed foods included sandwiches (7.6% of total calories), sweet baked goods (6.3%), savory snacks (4.9%), pizza (4.7%), and sugary drinks (3.9%). Among adults, the top sources were similar, with sandwiches (8.6% of total calories), sweet bakery items (5.2%), sweetened beverages (4.4%), savory snacks (3.4%), and various types of bread contributing notably as well.
The CDC has raised concerns about the current definitions of ultra-processed foods and is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Agriculture Department to create a clear and uniform definition that reflects the potential health impacts of these food products.
In summary, it’s clear that ultra-processed foods play a significant role in the American diet, and health officials are actively seeking ways to address this issue for better public health outcomes.
