top of page

The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods: Why I’m Not Buying the Hype

prettyrebelliousnu


Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become the latest villain in the nutrition world. Everywhere you turn, there’s another headline warning you about their dangers, blaming them for everything from weight gain to chronic disease. But here’s the thing - ’m not buying into the fear-mongering.


What Even Is a UPF?

One of the biggest issues with the UPF debate is that there’s no single definition of what makes a food “ultra-processed.” The NOVA classification system, which is widely used in research, categorizes UPFs based on how they’re processed and marketed—but not on their actual nutritional value (Visioli, F. et al. 2023)

.

According to NOVA, UPFs include:

✔️ Packaged bread and baked goods

✔️ Flavoured yogurt

✔️ Frozen meals (like pizza or instant noodles)

✔️ Baby food

✔️ Fruit and milk-based drinks

✔️ “Diet” products


Sound familiar? That’s because many of these foods are staples for people worldwide. The problem? This classification doesn’t tell us whether these foods are actually bad for us, it just tells us they’ve been processed a certain way.


Does Science Back Up the Fear?

While some studies link UPF consumption to negative health outcomes, the research is still inconclusive. There’s no clear explanation for how UPFs impact the body, and many studies fail to control for other lifestyle factors, like overall diet quality, activity levels, or socioeconomic status (Vinicius M. et al., 2023).


Another issue? The anti-UPF messaging pushes a restrictive, fear-based approach to eating. Instead of focusing on how to balance all foods in a way that supports health, it tells us what to avoid—without acknowledging that, for many people, UPFs are:

  • More affordable and accessible than fresh, whole foods

  • A source of essential nutrients (fortified cereals, dairy products, etc.)

  • A practical option for busy lifestyles


Demonizing these foods only creates unnecessary stress, guilt, and food fear—none of which contribute to actual well-being.


Food Shouldn’t Be This Complicated

Yes, we all know that whole, minimally processed foods are beneficial for health. But the idea that we should cut out UPFs entirely is unrealistic, unnecessary, and, for many, impossible. Food choices are personal, and they should be based on more than just fear-driven headlines.


Instead of obsessing over labels, let’s focus on what really matters—creating a sustainable, balanced approach to eating that supports both physical and mental health.

At the end of the day, food is meant to nourish and sustain us—not stress us out.


Sources:

0 views

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm

​​Saturday: 9am - 5pm

​Sunday: 9am - 5pm

© 2025 by Shani Scott. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page