Why do we need ultra-processed foods?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, over half of the average UK diet consists of ultra-processed foods. But beyond the health warnings, why do we need ultra-processed foods in the first place? Their role in modern society is a complex issue with multiple facets, including economic, logistical, and social factors.

Quick Summary

The prevalence of ultra-processed foods stems from reasons including food security, affordability, convenience, and how they suit modern lifestyles.

Key Points

Food Security: Ultra-processed foods contribute to food security by offering an affordable and stable calorie source.
Convenience: They provide unparalleled convenience, which is a major draw for consumers with limited time, resources, or cooking skills.
Extended Shelf-Life: The use of preservatives and stabilizers extends shelf-life.
Affordability: Mass production makes ultra-processed foods cheaper than many fresh and minimally processed alternatives.
Nutritional Fortification: Some UPFs are fortified with essential nutrients.
Hyper-Palatability: They are designed to be highly palatable.
Complex Health Effects: The negative health associations with UPFs are complex.

The role of food processing in modern society

Food processing, including the creation of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), is not a recent phenomenon but an evolution responding to societal needs. The rise of UPFs is a complex issue driven by factors such as urbanization, changing family structures, and globalization. While extensive processing is a hallmark of UPFs, some processing techniques, like pasteurization, are vital for food safety and shelf-life. The debate surrounding UPFs is not about eliminating all processed food, but understanding the trade-offs involved with those at the extreme end of the processing spectrum.

Economic and logistical drivers

Ultra-processed foods are often profitable for manufacturers due to low-cost ingredients and efficient, large-scale production. Their long shelf-life reduces food waste and makes transport over long distances feasible. This is crucial for a stable food supply, especially where fresh food access is limited.

The quest for convenience

UPFs offer unparalleled convenience, saving time and effort in food preparation for busy lifestyles. They provide an easy way to get fed for those with limited cooking skills or kitchen access.

Food security and affordability

UPFs are often more affordable than fresh, whole-food alternatives due to mass production and cheap ingredients. Fortification of some UPFs can also add nutritional value, like iron-fortified cereals. This affordability and fortification contribute to global food security.

The social and psychological aspects of UPFs

UPFs are often engineered to be 'hyper-palatable,' triggering reward responses in the brain, making them desirable. They can also be part of social traditions and celebratory occasions. Acknowledging these dimensions is important when discussing the health concerns linked to UPFs.

Comparison of whole foods vs. ultra-processed foods


Feature	Whole/Minimally Processed Foods	Ultra-Processed Foods
Convenience	Requires preparation (e.g., chopping, cooking)	Ready-to-eat, requires minimal preparation
Shelf-Life	Short; perishable	Long; extended by preservatives
Cost	Can be higher, especially for fresh produce	Generally lower, mass-produced
Nutrient Density	High, naturally rich in vitamins and fiber	Varies; often low, but can be fortified
Ingredients	Few, recognizable ingredients	Many, including industrial additives
Flavor Profile	Natural, varies by season/ripeness	Engineered to be hyper-palatable, consistent

The complex relationship with health and society

While health risks are linked to high UPF intake, it's unclear if this is due to the processing itself or the high levels of unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt. Some fortified UPFs can offer nutritional benefits. A balanced diet is recommended, recognizing that not all UPFs are the same.

Conclusion: Finding a balanced perspective on ultra-processed foods

UPFs are needed for affordability, convenience, extended shelf-life, and their role in a stable food supply. However, this comes with health trade-offs. A balanced perspective acknowledges their purpose while promoting awareness of potential downsides. A balanced diet should primarily consist of minimally processed foods.

A balanced view of ultra-processed food's place

Addressing food insecurity: UPFs provide a cheap, accessible calorie source for those with limited budgets or access to fresh food.
Convenience and modern living: Their convenience caters to busy lifestyles, saving time and effort on food preparation.
Extended shelf-life: Long shelf-life reduces food waste and ensures a stable food supply, especially in crisis situations.
Nutritional fortification: Some UPFs are fortified with essential nutrients, addressing specific dietary deficiencies in populations.
Understanding hyper-palatability: They are engineered to be highly desirable, triggering cravings and potentially leading to overconsumption.
Distinguishing between types: Not all UPFs are equally unhealthy; some can offer nutritional benefits.
Impact on public health: High intake is associated with numerous health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processed foods are changed from their natural state. Ultra-processed foods, by the NOVA classification system, are formulations of industrial ingredients and additives not typically used in home cooking.

Not necessarily. While many UPFs are linked to negative health outcomes, some can provide important nutrients and fiber.

UPFs enhance food security by offering low-cost, calorie-dense options that are accessible.

UPFs are generally cheaper because they are made from low-cost ingredients, and their mass production is highly efficient.

Yes. A balanced approach where the majority of your diet consists of nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods, and the remainder includes less-nutrient-dense items for enjoyment is recommended.

To reduce reliance, focus on incorporating more minimally processed ingredients. Try cooking more meals at home and reading ingredient labels.

Some experts suggest that the hyper-palatable nature of ultra-processed foods can trigger a strong dopamine response in the brain, potentially leading to addictive eating behaviors.