Tag: Processed vs ultra processed

According to the most widely accepted NOVA classification system, an ingredient like maltodextrin is a key indicator of an ultra-processed food (UPF). This is because maltodextrin is a substance derived from other foods but is not used in home cooking. Its presence signifies a level of industrial processing that defines a food as ultra-processed.

According to the NOVA food classification system, many foods we assume are simply 'processed' actually fall into the ultra-processed category due to specific industrial techniques and additives. This raises a critical question: are straight to wok noodles ultra processed, or are they a minimally processed shortcut for quick meals?

According to a 2024 meta-analysis, fruit snacks and similar items are a significant source of added sugars in many diets. This trend brings a crucial question to the forefront for health-conscious consumers: **Are fruit gummies ultra processed?**

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, canned tuna is classified as a processed food, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. The key is understanding that 'processed' covers a wide spectrum, and this popular pantry staple falls on the more beneficial end of that scale.

According to research, diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to a higher risk of health issues like obesity and heart disease. However, many commonly used pantry items, including canned tomatoes, are simply processed—a key distinction many people misunderstand.

According to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, a processed food is any food that has been altered from its natural state. While all bread, including Ezekiel, undergoes some form of processing, the real question is to what degree, and is Ezekiel bread considered a processed food in the same unhealthy way as white bread? It's the minimal processing that sets it apart.

According to a 2024 study in *The BMJ*, a higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of health problems, raising important questions about common grocery items like cured and smoked meats. Many consumers wonder if their favorite smoked products, like bacon and deli ham, fall into this highly processed category.

According to a 2021 study, 53% of organic foods were found to be ultra-processed, although this is less than the 74% of conventional foods in the study. This raises a critical question for many health-conscious consumers: is organic ketchup ultra-processed? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, depending heavily on the specific brand's ingredients and manufacturing methods.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, canned tuna is a food processed at its peak to lock in nutritional quality and freshness. This immediately clarifies the question: does tuna count as processed food? Yes, but not in the way many people assume, and it is far from an unhealthy ultra-processed product.

According to the NOVA classification system, not all processed foods are created equal, and this holds true for tortillas. So, are tortillas highly processed? The extent of processing varies significantly based on whether you choose corn or flour tortillas and if they are made commercially or at home.