What Do You Call Food That Is Not Healthy? Unpacking the Terminology

November 17, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2010 study mentioned by the National Institutes of Health, almost 40% of the calories consumed by children aged two to 18 were considered 'empty calories'. This statistic highlights why understanding what you call food that is not healthy is so important for public health, as it reveals the prevalence of low-nutrient, high-calorie options in our modern diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores the various terms used to describe unhealthy food, including junk food, ultra-processed food, and empty-calorie items. It explains the characteristics of these foods, outlines the associated health risks, and provides practical advice on making healthier dietary choices. A comparison table differentiates between healthy and unhealthy options.

Key Points

Junk Food vs. Processed Food: While often used interchangeably, 'junk food' is a broad term, whereas 'ultra-processed food' is a more specific category for items heavily altered with additives.
Empty Calories Defined: These foods, like soda and candy, offer energy but lack essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies.
Hidden Unhealthy Ingredients: Be aware of high levels of added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium in packaged goods, often disguised by appealing marketing claims.
Serious Health Risks: Regular consumption of unhealthy food is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
Read the Label: Checking the nutrition facts for added sugars, fats, and sodium is the most reliable way to identify an unhealthy food choice.
Make Smart Swaps: Satisfy cravings with healthy alternatives like sparkling water instead of soda or roasted chickpeas instead of chips.
Practice Moderation: Unhealthy or discretionary foods can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, but should not form the bulk of your intake.

The term what do you call food that is not healthy is most commonly answered with 'junk food,' but this simple phrase only scratches the surface of a complex topic. A variety of more precise terms exist to categorize and describe nutritionally deficient items, offering a clearer understanding of what we consume and its effects on our health. These labels, such as 'ultra-processed food,' 'empty-calorie food,' and 'discretionary food,' help consumers and health professionals alike to accurately identify and discuss poor dietary choices. By delving into this vocabulary, we can better appreciate the nuances of modern eating habits and make more informed decisions.

Breaking Down the Terminology: More Than Just 'Junk'

While 'junk food' is a widely understood colloquialism, different scientific and culinary terms provide more specific definitions for food that is not healthy.

Ultra-Processed Foods: This category refers to foods and drinks that have undergone significant industrial processing. They often contain multiple ingredients, including additives like preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers, that you would not typically find in a home kitchen. Examples include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, ice cream, and many ready meals. These products are engineered to be hyper-palatable, stimulating the brain's reward centers and making them potentially addictive. The processing strips them of fiber and essential nutrients, replacing them with high levels of fat, sugar, and salt.
Empty-Calorie Foods: As the name suggests, these foods provide a high number of calories but offer very little to no nutritional value in the form of vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber. They are a primary source of added sugars and unhealthy fats. Examples include candy, soda, and many baked goods. Consuming too many empty calories can lead to weight gain and a lack of essential nutrients for the body to function correctly.
Discretionary Foods: This term is often used in a dietary context and refers to foods and drinks that are not necessary for a healthy diet and that should be consumed sparingly. These include treats and indulgent items, such as cakes, cookies, and sugary beverages. While not inherently harmful in moderation, they become unhealthy when they form a significant part of a person's diet.

The Health Impact of Unhealthy Foods

Regular consumption of unhealthy food has been consistently linked to a wide array of negative health consequences. The high levels of saturated fats, sugar, and sodium typical in these items are significant risk factors for chronic diseases.

Common Negative Health Effects:

Obesity: High-calorie, nutrient-poor foods are a leading contributor to weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of associated health conditions.
Cardiovascular Disease: The trans fats and saturated fats found in many unhealthy foods can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes: Sugary drinks and processed carbohydrates can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Poor Brain Function: Some studies suggest that diets high in junk food can negatively impact cognitive function and increase the risk of depression.
Dental Issues: The high sugar content in unhealthy food is a major cause of tooth decay and cavities.
Nutrient Deficiencies: By displacing more nutritious options, unhealthy foods can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Comparison of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Food Choices


Feature	Healthy Food (Nutrient-Dense)	Unhealthy Food (Empty Calories/Processed)
Nutritional Content	Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.	High in added sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium; low in nutrients.
Processing Level	Minimal processing (e.g., fresh vegetables, whole grains).	Extensive industrial processing with additives and preservatives.
Calorie Source	Provides sustainable energy and essential nutrients.	Provides 'empty calories' that offer little to no nutritional value.
Ingredient Purity	Often a single, whole ingredient (e.g., an apple or a carrot).	Formulated with multiple, non-natural ingredients for enhanced taste.
Satiety Effect	High in fiber, making you feel full for longer.	Often triggers cravings for more due to engineered palatability.

How to Identify Unhealthy Foods and Make Better Choices

Recognizing unhealthy food is the first step toward making better dietary decisions. The key lies in reading labels, understanding ingredients, and focusing on whole, unprocessed options.

Read the Nutrition Facts Panel: Pay close attention to the Added Sugars, Saturated Fat, and Sodium content. A product is considered high in salt if it has more than 1.5g per 100g and high in sugar with more than 22.5g per 100g.
Scan the Ingredient List: Look for ingredients that signal heavy processing. If the list contains complex chemical names, high-fructose corn syrup, or hydrogenated oils, it's likely an ultra-processed, unhealthy food.
Choose Whole Foods: Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which are minimally processed and nutrient-dense. Swap sugary sodas for water and packaged snacks for fresh fruit or nuts.
Practice Moderation: Recognize that some foods are designed as occasional treats, not daily staples. Limiting portion sizes of discretionary items is crucial for a balanced diet.

Practical Swaps for Common Unhealthy Foods

Moving away from unhealthy food doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Smart substitutions can satisfy cravings while providing genuine nutritional benefits.

Instead of soda: Try sparkling water with a splash of fresh fruit juice or a slice of lemon. Herbal tea is another excellent alternative.
Instead of potato chips: Opt for air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or seaweed crisps. These provide a satisfying crunch with more fiber and fewer unhealthy fats.
Instead of sugary cereals: Switch to oatmeal with fresh fruit or a high-fiber, low-sugar whole-grain option.
Instead of processed meat: Choose lean protein sources like grilled chicken breast, tofu, or bean burgers.
Instead of baked goods: Bake your own muffins using whole grain flour and applesauce as a natural sweetener to control sugar content.

Conclusion

Understanding what you call food that is not healthy goes beyond a single label like 'junk food.' It involves recognizing the characteristics of ultra-processed foods, empty-calorie items, and discretionary choices. While such foods may be convenient and palatable, their regular consumption is associated with a host of health risks, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, reading nutritional labels, and making mindful substitutions, you can significantly improve your overall health and well-being. A balanced diet doesn't require eliminating all indulgent foods but rather understanding their role and prioritizing nutrition for a healthier, more vibrant life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary term for food that is not healthy is 'junk food.' However, more specific and descriptive terms include 'ultra-processed foods,' 'empty-calorie foods,' and 'discretionary foods,' which offer more detail about the item's nutritional deficiencies.

You can spot ultra-processed foods by their long ingredient lists that contain additives you wouldn't use in home cooking, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, and sweeteners. They are heavily marketed and often come ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat.

'Empty calories' refers to foods that provide energy in the form of calories but contain very little to no nutritional value, like vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein. Examples include sugary drinks, candy, and many desserts.

While fast food is often equated with junk food, not all fast food is unhealthy. Some options, like salads, can be low in calories and high in nutritional value. However, many items are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and low in nutrients.

Yes, studies indicate that a diet high in junk food can negatively impact mental health. Research has linked high junk food consumption to an increased risk of depression, mood swings, and poor brain function.

Good alternatives to unhealthy snacks include fruits, vegetables with hummus, nuts, and roasted chickpeas. For sugary cravings, dark chocolate or homemade muffins with less sugar are better options.

Reading food labels is crucial for identifying unhealthy food. Focus on the 'Added Sugars,' 'Saturated Fat,' and 'Sodium' content. Color-coded labels can also quickly indicate whether a food is high or low in these categories.