Do Americans Eat the Most Processed Food? A Global Comparison

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, Americans get an average of 55% of their total calories from ultra-processed foods. While this figure is alarmingly high, the question remains: do Americans eat the most processed food compared to the rest of the world?

Quick Summary

An examination of global dietary data reveals how U.S. ultra-processed food consumption compares to other nations, discussing the factors influencing these trends and the associated health implications. It highlights the United States' position among the highest consumers globally.

Key Points

High U.S. Consumption: Americans get over half of their total calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with children's intake being even higher.
Not the Only High-Consumer: While the U.S. is a major consumer, the United Kingdom also demonstrates similarly high levels of UPF consumption.
Global UPF Trends: The reliance on UPFs is a global issue, driven by factors like urbanization and shifts toward more convenient lifestyles.
Health Consequences: A high intake of ultra-processed food is linked to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
Distinction is Key: It is crucial to differentiate between minimally processed foods (like canned vegetables) and ultra-processed foods, which contain many additives and lack whole ingredients.
Underlying Factors: Convenience, affordability, and extensive marketing contribute significantly to the high consumption of UPFs in countries like the U.S..
Lower Consumption Models: Countries with strong culinary traditions and less reliance on convenience foods, like Italy and France, demonstrate significantly lower UPF intake.

Defining Processed vs. Ultra-Processed Food

To properly answer the question, we must first understand the distinction between processed and ultra-processed foods, a classification system known as NOVA.

Processed Foods: These are foods that are modified from their natural state by adding substances like salt, sugar, oil, or fat. Examples include canned vegetables, simple cheeses, and basic bread.
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): These are formulations made mostly or entirely from substances derived from foods and additives, with little to no recognizable whole food ingredients. These typically contain a high proportion of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and are often designed for hyper-palatability, meaning they are exceptionally tasty and easily digestible, encouraging overconsumption. Examples include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and pre-prepared frozen meals.

The United States: A Leader in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

Multiple studies and reports confirm that Americans are among the highest consumers of ultra-processed foods globally. Recent data from the CDC showed that over half of Americans' daily caloric intake comes from UPFs. For children and teenagers, this percentage is even higher.

The reasons behind this high consumption are complex and multifaceted:

Ubiquitous Availability: UPFs are widely available and marketed heavily in mainstream supermarkets, often at affordable price points. A 2024 study highlighted that U.S. supermarkets, especially budget-friendly retailers, stock significantly more UPFs than their European counterparts.
Convenience and Affordability: The fast-paced American lifestyle often prioritizes convenience. Pre-packaged meals, snacks, and sugary drinks offer a quick and inexpensive way to eat, which is particularly appealing for families on a budget.
Intense Marketing: Extensive advertising campaigns, particularly those targeting children, normalize and promote the consumption of ultra-processed items.

The Global Ultra-Processed Food Landscape

While the U.S. has a high intake, it is not alone. Several other countries also show concerning levels of ultra-processed food consumption, although specific rankings can vary slightly depending on the study and metric used. A 2021 systematic review published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that the United States and the United Kingdom generally have the highest percentage energy intake from UPFs.

Comparison of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption by Country

A table comparing approximate ultra-processed food consumption across several countries is available on {Link: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/seastats/posts/global-consumption-of-ultra-processed-foods-a-snapshota-recent-analysis-by-the-b/727557059616148/}. The table shows the United States and the United Kingdom with high intake (over 50%), while countries like Italy and France have significantly lower consumption (under 20%). Other countries like Australia and Brazil fall in between.

What Drives These Global Trends?

Several factors beyond national borders contribute to the rise of UPF consumption worldwide, including globalization and urbanization, socioeconomic status, and changing lifestyles that prioritize convenience.

Health Implications of High UPF Intake

Consuming a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with numerous negative health outcomes. These foods are typically high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, and low in essential nutrients and fiber. Potential health impacts include increased risk of obesity, higher rates of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, and early mortality.

Conclusion

While the United States is frequently highlighted for its significant consumption of ultra-processed food, it is a global issue. The U.S. and U.K. have notably high figures, but increasing UPF reliance is a trend in many countries, driven by convenience, marketing, and affordability. Addressing this public health concern requires consumer education and potentially regulation, as seen in countries like Italy and France with lower UPF consumption.

Optional Link

{Link: medicalnewstoday.com https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318630}

Frequently Asked Questions

Processed food involves simple alterations like adding salt or canning, while ultra-processed food is a complex formulation of industrial ingredients with numerous additives and little to no whole food content.

Recent CDC reports indicate that approximately 55% of the average American's total caloric intake comes from ultra-processed foods.

While the U.S. is a major consumer, systematic reviews show that both the United States and the United Kingdom have some of the highest levels of ultra-processed food consumption globally, with over 50% of caloric intake derived from these foods.

Yes, some countries, particularly those with strong culinary traditions focusing on whole foods, have much lower consumption rates. Italy and France are often cited, with Portugal showing a particularly low rate of around 10%.

High consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.

Common reasons include convenience, lower cost compared to fresh alternatives, aggressive marketing, and a general lack of time for meal preparation.

Yes, some processed foods, like frozen vegetables or whole-grain bread, can be part of a healthy diet. The primary concern is ultra-processed foods, which are high in additives, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.