What Are Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)?

You’ve probably heard the term ‘ultra-processed foods’, but what does it really mean? UPFs are industrially formulated products that contain ingredients you wouldn’t typically find in your kitchen—like emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Think packaged snacks, fizzy drinks, ready meals, and even some ‘healthy’ protein bars!

These foods are often designed to be hyper-palatable, meaning they trigger cravings and encourage overeating. They are stripped of natural fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and constantly hungry. Because of their convenience, UPFs have become a major part of modern diets, with research suggesting they now make up over 50% of the average diet in the UK.

Why does this matter? Studies show that diets high in UPFs are linked to weight gain, low energy, poor digestion, and even chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. They disrupt our natural hunger signals and can lead to overconsumption of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt.

A diet dominated by UPFs can also negatively impact gut health, leading to bloating, poor digestion, and an imbalance of gut bacteria. Many UPFs contain artificial ingredients that our bodies struggle to process, potentially contributing to inflammation and a weakened immune system.