Do they eat processed food in Europe? A look at nutrition diet trends

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contribute significantly to the European public health debate due to their increased consumption. The answer to "Do they eat processed food in Europe?" is a resounding yes, though the degree varies dramatically from country to country and is linked to rising health concerns.

Quick Summary

Despite widespread concern over their health effects, processed and ultra-processed foods are part of the daily diet for many Europeans, with notable differences in consumption rates between countries. Consumer habits are driven by factors like convenience and cost, despite growing awareness of associated health issues. The EU's robust food regulations face evolving challenges posed by modern eating patterns.

Key Points

Significant Consumption: A 2025 report indicates that ultra-processed foods make up an average of 27% of the daily energy intake across Europe.
Wide Variation by Country: Consumption levels differ significantly, with the UK having one of the highest rates (over 50% of household food purchases) and Portugal among the lowest (around 10%).
Serious Health Concerns: High UPF consumption is linked to rising rates of obesity, chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, and mental health issues.
Consumer Confusion: While many Europeans fear the health risks of UPFs, surveys show a lack of clear understanding about which foods are ultra-processed.
Regulation vs. Habit: Though the EU has strong food safety standards, the convenience, taste, and affordability of UPFs often outweigh health concerns for consumers.
Demand for Change: Public health bodies and consumer groups are advocating for stronger EU regulations, including clearer front-of-pack labeling and marketing restrictions.

The consumption of processed foods is not uniform across Europe, but it is a significant part of the modern European diet. While regions famed for traditional, whole-food diets like the Mediterranean showcase lower figures, other countries report extremely high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This variance is a key aspect of the complex nutritional landscape shaping public health across the continent.

The Spectrum of Food Processing

To understand processed food consumption, it's essential to recognize the different levels of processing. The NOVA classification system is a widely used framework that categorizes foods from unprocessed to ultra-processed.

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods: These are foods in their natural state or with minimal alterations that don't add new substances. Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Processed culinary ingredients: Substances extracted from natural foods to be used in cooking, like vegetable oils, sugar, and salt.
Processed foods: Made by adding salt, sugar, or other processed culinary ingredients to raw or minimally processed foods. Examples include canned vegetables, freshly made bread, and some cheeses.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs): Industrially formulated food products typically containing five or more ingredients, often including additives not found in a domestic kitchen, such as flavorings, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners. Examples include pre-packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, and many ready meals.

A Continental Divide in Consumption

Research shows a stark contrast in UPF consumption across Europe. While the average European gets 27% of their daily energy intake from UPFs, this number is a poor representation of the disparities.

High-Consumption Countries: The United Kingdom tops the list, with over 50% of household food purchases being ultra-processed. Sweden and Ireland also show high rates, with UPFs accounting for approximately 44% and 45.9% of daily energy intake, respectively.
Low-Consumption Countries: In contrast, countries with strong traditional food cultures demonstrate much lower UPF consumption. Portugal shows one of the lowest rates, with only 10.2% of household purchases being ultra-processed. Italy and France also report relatively low consumption.

Health Impacts and Public Concern

Rising UPF consumption is fueling a public health crisis in Europe, contributing significantly to rising rates of obesity, non-communicable diseases, and mental health issues. Concerns among the public are high, yet misunderstanding persists.

The Health Risks: UPFs are typically energy-dense and high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, while lacking essential nutrients. Studies have linked high UPF intake to various health problems, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Evidence also suggests a link between UPFs and mental health issues.
Consumer Perception: A 2024 EIT Food survey revealed that many consumers believe UPFs are unhealthy and contribute to lifestyle diseases. However, there is confusion about what constitutes an ultra-processed food, leading many to underestimate their actual consumption.

The Drivers Behind Processed Food Consumption

Several factors contribute to the paradox of consumer concern versus high consumption. Convenience, price, and taste are primary motivators.

Convenience: Pre-packaged sauces, snacks, and ready meals offer quick and easy solutions.
Price: Ultra-processed foods can be perceived as cheaper, especially for lower-income populations.
Marketing and Availability: Aggressive marketing and the wide availability of UPFs make them a default choice.

EU Regulations and the Food Landscape

Europe has strict regulations for food safety and labeling. Current regulations focus on individual ingredients and safety but do not specifically target the "ultra-processed" nature of a product.

EU Regulation (EC) 178/2002: The foundation of EU food law ensures high levels of human health protection.
EU Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation (EU) 1169/2011: Mandates specific labeling details, including ingredients and nutrition declarations.
Ongoing Debate: Organizations advocate for stricter measures, including mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labeling and marketing restrictions on UPFs.

EU vs. US Food Regulation and Consumption


Feature	European Union (EU)	United States (US)
Food Additives	Stricter regulation, with fewer permitted additives. Some ingredients banned in the EU are allowed in the US.	Higher average number of additives per product compared to EU countries.
Labeling	Mandatory nutrition declarations and allergen information. Discussion around mandatory front-of-pack labeling.	Mandatory nutrition facts panel. Varies by state and product type.
UPF Consumption	Average 27% of daily energy intake, but highly variable between countries like the UK and Italy.	Higher overall consumption, with UPFs making up 58% of the average adult's diet.

Strategies for a Healthier European Diet

Addressing the complex issue of processed food consumption requires a multi-pronged approach:

Support Policy Changes: Encourage stricter regulations on UPF marketing and labeling.
Promote Culinary Skills: Support initiatives that teach cooking with fresh, minimally processed ingredients.
Increase Access to Fresh Foods: Advocate for policies that make fresh food more accessible and affordable.
Read Labels Carefully: Become a more informed consumer by reading ingredient lists and nutritional information.

Conclusion: An Evolving Nutritional Landscape

Ultimately, do they eat processed food in Europe? Yes, and in increasing amounts, leading to serious public health challenges. However, the European nutritional landscape is not monolithic. Significant variations in consumption patterns reflect underlying differences. While convenience and cost continue to drive the appeal of ultra-processed foods, growing awareness and regulatory debates signal a potential shift. Combating rising UPF consumption requires a combined effort from policymakers, industry, and consumers. For further information, consider reading resources from organizations dedicated to public health, like EuroHealthNet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially formulated products with five or more ingredients, often including additives, emulsifiers, or artificial flavors not typically used in home cooking, such as sugary cereals, packaged snacks, and many ready meals.

The United Kingdom has the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods in Europe, with over 50% of household food purchases falling into this category. Other countries with high rates include Ireland and Sweden.

Despite concerns, Europeans continue to consume processed foods due to factors like convenience, affordability, taste preferences, and effective marketing. Consumer confusion about what constitutes ultra-processing is also a factor.

EU food regulations are generally stricter than those in the US, particularly concerning the use of additives. Many ingredients permitted in US products are banned in the EU.

No, consumption of ultra-processed foods is not equal across demographics. Younger people, those with lower socioeconomic status, and urban residents tend to consume more UPFs.

No. The level of processing is what matters. Minimally processed foods like canned vegetables or plain yogurt are not associated with the same health risks as ultra-processed foods, which contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Public health organizations are calling for stricter EU regulations, such as mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labeling and restrictions on UPF marketing. There are also efforts to improve consumer education and make healthier food more accessible.