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 ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS: INTAKE ON THE RISE


 



A new study from NYU’s School of Global Public Health shows that Americans are eating more and more ultra-processed foods—and it’s not a trend we can ignore. Over the past twenty years, nearly every group in the U.S. has shifted toward diets packed with industrially made, ready-to-eat products. These foods are loaded with additives and stripped of whole ingredients, and researchers have linked them to everything from poor diet quality to a higher risk of chronic diseases.

Filippa Juul, the lead author and assistant professor at NYU, puts it plainly: “The high and increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods in the 21st century may be a key driver of the obesity epidemic.” The numbers back her up. By analyzing data from close to 41,000 adults between 2001 and 2018, researchers found that calories from ultra-processed foods jumped from 53.5% to 57% of the average American’s daily intake, while whole foods dropped from 32.7% to just 27.4%.

What’s behind these numbers? Meals like frozen dinners surged, while whole foods—especially meat and dairy—fell out of favor. This shift was seen almost everywhere: younger and older adults, high and low income, all saw their ultra-processed food intake rise. The exception? Hispanic adults and college graduates, who consistently ate less ultra-processed food and more whole foods than others. Interestingly, older adults (60+) saw the most dramatic increase, going from eating the healthiest diets to the most processed.

Why does this matter? The evidence is clear: eating more ultra-processed foods increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. And the pandemic may have made things worse—with people stocking up on shelf-stable meals and reaching for comfort foods during uncertain times.

So what can you do about it? The researchers recommend stronger policies: more transparent food labels, restrictions on marketing processed foods, taxes on sugary sodas, and efforts to make whole foods more available and affordable—especially in communities that need them most. But you don’t have to wait for policy changes to start making a difference in your health.

Take action now to improve your diet and well-being. Swap out one processed meal a day for something closer to whole food—a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or a fresh salad. If you’re not sure where to start, or you need support and accountability, ProTime-Fitness can help. Our health coaching and fitness training programs are designed to help you make lasting changes, one step at a time. Visit ProTime-Fitness.org to learn how personalized coaching can help you build a healthier relationship with food and fitness.

Eating better isn’t just about willpower—it’s about having the proper support, knowledge, and a plan. Let’s make the shift back to real food, together.

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