Americans are likely consuming more ultra-processed foods than they realize.
A new study from the CDC reveals that more than half of the average total calories Americans eat are from ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods are high in additives and calories with little nutritional value. These products typically contain high amounts of salt, sugars, and saturated fats.
Too many of them in a diet have been linked to an increase in obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Between August 2021 and August 2023, the survey found 55% of the total calories consumed in an American’s diet came from ultra-processed foods.
Youth between the ages of 1 and 18 consumed 62% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, compared to adults with 53%. Children between 6 and 11 years old consumed the most at 65%.
The CDC report also found that the total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods did not differ substantially by income level for youths but did slightly for adults. For those over the age of 18, higher family income levels were tied to an average of 50% total calories from ultra-processed foods, compared to lower family income levels at 55%.
