Ultra-processed foods linked with early deaths: study

Story at a glance

• Ultra-processed foods account for more than half of Americans’ daily caloric intake.

• New data shows consumption of these foods is linked with significant increases in premature deaths.

• Researchers estimate eating less of these foods could lead to lower rates of noncommunicable diseases and fewer premature deaths.

Eating ultra-processed foods — or those that contain little or no whole foods in their ingredients — was associated with tens of thousands of premature deaths in 2019, according to results of a new study.

The investigation was carried out in Brazil, but researchers noted Brazilians tend to eat far less of these foods than individuals in high-income countries like the United States, Canada and Australia.

As ultra-processed foods account for more than half of Americans’ total caloric intake, the association with premature deaths could be even greater in the United States.

The foods were defined as ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories. They can include pre-packaged soups and sauces, frozen pizza, hot dogs, sausages, sodas, ice cream and store-bought baked goods.