A significant portion of the American diet continues to be made up of ultra-processed foods, posing serious concerns for public health.
Despite some progress over recent years, a newly released report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that more than half of the daily caloric intake of both adults and children in the United States still comes from these foods. This trend is especially alarming for public health officials and remains a major concern in US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s mission to “Make America Healthy Again.”
According to the CDC data, from August 2021 -August 2023, ultra-processed foods accounted for about 53% of the total calories consumed by adults. The figures were even more concerning for children, with approximately 62% of their calories derived from such items. While this reflects a marginal decline from 2017–2018, when adults and children consumed 56% and nearly 66% of their calories from ultra-processed foods respectively, the overall reliance remains alarmingly high, posing a threat to the future health scenario of the population.
Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that are typically high in calories, added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, while being low in essential nutrients like fiber. Their consumption has been associated with a wide range of health risks including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, depression, and even premature death. Health experts emphasize that there are no nutritional benefits tied to eating these products.
- Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, who was not involved in the CDC study, reiterated that cutting down on ultra-processed foods is key to better long-term health.
- One of the main reasons these foods are so prevalent in the American diet is their appeal and availability. They are engineered to be highly palatable and calorie-dense, making it easy for people to overconsume them without realizing it.
While Stoiber acknowledged that avoiding them entirely may be unrealistic and impossible to accomplish, especially during events, the expert has stressed the importance of shifting the dietary habits consciously toward whole and minimally processed foods whenever possible.
Economic factors also play a major role in shaping food habits and choices. Ultra-processed foods are often cheaper, more accessible, and easier to prepare than whole-food alternatives. In fact, the report found a stark contrast in dietary quality based on income levels. Wealthier adults consumed significantly fewer calories from ultra-processed foods compared to individuals from lower-income households. However, among children, this income-based disparity was less pronounced.
Programs like the National School Lunch Program have made strides in limiting ultra-processed foods. However, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves entire families, continues to allow broad purchasing options with minimal restrictions, limiting its potential to influence healthier eating habits. The challenge ahead lies not only in public awareness, but also in transforming the broader food system to promote affordability and accessibility of healthier, whole foods for all Americans.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
