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Ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods, a.k.a. energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, discretionary choices or junk foods dominate modern supermarkets. They represent a large proportion of the average dietary intake in developed countries and, not surprisingly, are linked with poor health outcomes. What are ultra-processed foods? The term “ultra-processed” foods refers to the NOVA classification and it’s based on the degree of processing of foods. This classification has 4 categories: unprocessed or minimally processed (such as grains, meat, fish, milk, eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds) processed culinary ingredients (such as sugar, oils and butter) processed foods ultra-processed foods (1, 2) Processed vs ultra-processed foods Have you ever met someone that tries to justify their junk…
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Discretionary choices (a.k.a. junk food)
Discretionary choices, discretionary foods, non-core foods, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods are some of the names given to junk food. These are foods that should not represent a large part of a person’s food intake. Nutrient profile These foods typically contain a high amount of saturated fat, added salt, added sugar and/or alcohol (1). As a general rule, processed foods tend to fall into this category. Some of these foods may contain essential nutrients and even health claims in the packaging, but are not necessarily healthy as a whole. The foods In general, most people recognise what a “not so healthy food” is, however it is always useful to have a yes/no…
