Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods:
A Guide for Food Manufacturers
In today’s world, consumers are paying more attention to what they eat, and ultra-processed foods (UPF) are making headlines.
Health experts are raising concerns, and the demand for less processed options is growing.
Make Your Product Stand Out
This is a chance for food companies to stand out by offering products without UPF. Understanding what UPF are and why they matter can help you create foods that meet this new demand.
What Are UPFs?
A large part of the U.S. food supply is made up of ultra-processed foods. These foods often have ingredients you wouldn’t find in a home kitchen, like artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and other industrial additives.
Scientists use the Nova classification system to categorize foods by how much they’ve been processed:
Nova Group 4: Ultra-processed foods
Nova Groups 1–3: Less processed or minimally processed foods
The Opportunity for Food Companies
As consumers become more aware of the health and environmental risks of ultra-processed foods, there is an opportunity for food companies to lead the way in offering healthier, less processed options. Creating products that use real ingredients, limit additives, and support better nutrition can help your product stand out in a competitive market focused on wellness. Highlight your Nova Group 1-3 foods with us!
To learn more about leading theories on how UPF harm health and the public policies aimed at reducing those harms, explore our advocacy partner, the Consumer Federation of America's report, Ultra-processed Foods: Why They Matter and What to Do About It.
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