Tag: Discretionary food

According to the CDC, roughly two-thirds of U.S. children consume sugary drinks daily, yet many people are unclear about what food group is a cola drink in. The simple answer is that cola and other sugary sodas do not belong to any of the major, healthful food groups but are instead categorized as a discretionary or 'extra' item due to their high added sugar and low nutritional value.

According to several dietary guidelines, including those in Australia, ice cream is unequivocally categorized as a discretionary food, meaning it is not essential for a healthy diet and should be consumed sparingly. This classification stems from its nutritional composition and role in both our diet and consumer behavior.

According to a 2011-2012 Australian Health Survey, between 31% and 37% of an adult's daily energy intake came from discretionary foods. A discretionary food is an item not necessary for a healthy diet, typically high in saturated fat, added sugars, salt, or alcohol. These foods provide extra kilojoules (calories) but offer little to no nutritional value, making them different from core food groups.

According to national dietary data, many people's diets consist of a substantial percentage of discretionary foods and drinks, often leading to overconsumption. So, what happens if you eat too much discretionary food, and what are the health consequences, both immediate and long-term?

According to Healthdirect, 'junk foods' are also known as discretionary or ultra-processed foods. Understanding what's another word for unhealthy food can help you be more precise when discussing diet and nutrition, moving beyond vague and sometimes judgmental language to specific descriptions of food types.