According to new data from the CDC, ultra-processed food consumption has slightly declined, yet remains high among Americans, especially children, who derive 61.9% of their calories from these foods. Adults consume 53% on average. Ultra-processed foods are energy-rich but low in nutrition, featuring added fats and sugars, and are marketed for convenience and taste. The consumption trend shows fluctuations over two decades, with some reduction since 2017-2018 after an increasing period in previous years. Health officials aim to reduce ultra-processed food prevalence in diets.
The mean percentage of total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods (UFPs) among everyone age 1 and older was 55%, during August 2021 and 2023.
Among those between the ages of 1 and 18, the mean consumption of UPFs was higher, at 61.9% of calories.
Ultra-processed foods are generally energy rich with little nutritional value, containing added fats, sugars and chemicals to preserve shelf life and enhance taste.
The trend in U.S. consumption over the past two decades has been mixed, with slight declines recently after a period of increased consumption of ultra-processed foods.
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