ultra-processed

adjective

ul·​tra-pro·​cessed ˌəl-trə-ˈprä-ˌsest 

-ˈprō-,

-səst

variants or less commonly ultraprocessed

of foods and beverages

: containing or made primarily with highly processed ingredients including artificial additives (such as coloring, flavoring, and preservatives) and typically having high levels of fat, sugar, or salt

Though it's easy to spot so-called 'junk food,' experts note that ultra-processed food may come in deceptive forms like protein bars marketed as healthy.

—Brittany Roston

Some processes like cooking meat or pasteurizing milk make the food safer to eat. But too much processing is unhealthy. Ultra-processed foods usually do not look like the original food and have added preservatives, nutrients, flavorings, colorings, salt, sugars and fats. … Researchers estimate that 60-90% of Americans eat foods and beverages that are ultra-processed. These include deli meats, hot dogs, sausages and plant-based meat alternatives that might have added fillers and fats, coloring, salts and other flavorings.

—Lisa McCoy

Nearly 75% of the U.S. food supply is considered ultra-processed, according to the Institute of Food Technologists. Most foods sold in grocery stores go through some level of processing, including staples like milk, bread and flour. Ultra-processed foods, said nutritionist Marion Nestle, are "industrially produced foods formulated to be irresistibly delicious that can't be made in home kitchens." This category can include many breakfast cereals, yogurts, chicken nuggets and plant-based meat alternatives.

—Brooks Johnson

Ultraprocessed foods and soft drinks have been directly linked to obesity and noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease …

—Kathrin Lauber et al.

also : of or relating to ultraprocessed foods or beverages

an ultraprocessed diet

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above