Ultra-processed food
classification system as products coming directly from plants or animals that are not altered beyond processes such as cleaning, cutting, and the removal of unwanted parts). A study in Belgium found that the price of 100kcal of UPF was valued at EUR 0.55 compared to EUR 1.29 for 100kcal of MPF (Vandevijvere et al., 2020). Inadvertently, UPFs have become the calorie provider of choice for those with limited budgets and who are concerned about their food security. It ultimately provides an affordable source of energy for incomes that are being eroded by high inflation and a rising cost of living. Even among those in stable economic situations, a meal deal from the local supermarket is often financially sounder than purchasing a more expensive, and non-UPF-containing alternative.
Accessibility and long shelf-life
The ubiquity of UPFs on shop shelves around the globe means that they are a reliable and consistent food supply for many. The characteristic longevity of UPFs enables them to be transported and stored for prolonged periods without losing their edibility. This has been a very real solution to the threat of famine, where access to MPFs and fresh food is limited, or when food must be transported over long distances to reach rural populations. It circumvents the issues of the rapid deterioration of fresh food and the increasing inconsistency in their supply due to more frequent adverse weather events affecting crop yields. In more urban environments, the abundance of ready-made meals, the rows of snacks at supermarkets, and other high-calorie – low-effort foods further explain why they are convenient and therefore beneficial for the ever-busy modern individual. The use of preservatives also allows for food to remain on store shelves, helping reduce waste.
Manipulation of the nutritional composition
The manipulation of UPFs allows for nutrients and other components of these foods to be added or removed; the benefit of this is two-fold. Webb et al. (2017) put forward the use of adding nutrients to food aid to supplement deficiencies in the 100 million people who receive this type of humanitarian assistance. On the other side of the spectrum, allergies and intolerances can be catered for by removing the triggers from foods. This creates a much more inclusive food landscape than would be on offer in a world fed predominantly by MPFs.
Concerns about UPFs
Association with adverse health outcomes
Ultra-processed Foods have been linked to an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Many preliminary studies have been done on the issue, all finding positive correlations between high UPF consumption and diseases such as cancer (Fiolet et al., 2018), obesity (Beslay et al., 2020), and coronary artery disease (Du et al., 2021). Fiolet et al. (2018) found that ‘ a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra- processed foods in the diet was associated with a significant increase of greater than 10% in risks of overall and breast cancer ’ and Fang (2024) found that there was a higher rate of all-cause mortality among those who had higher UPF intakes. The same study by Fang (2024) also found that certain sub- groups of UPF are more strongly associated with mortality – particularly ‘ meat/poultry/seafood based ready-to-eat products ’ . The NHS spends £6.5 billion a year alone on obesity (Department of Health and
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