Food Processing Types

Processed foods, such as cut fruit, packaged milk, and canned vegetables, differ from ultra-processed foods. The former often contain two or three ingredients, while the latter usually contain more than five. Examples include soft drinks, breakfast cereals, hot dogs, and sweets. The article notes that more than half of the calories Americans consume each day come from ultra-processed foods, which studies have linked to diabetes, cancer, obesity, and heart problems. In a 2024 study of 200,000 adults, higher consumption was associated with an 11% greater risk of cardiovascular disease and a 16% greater risk of coronary artery disease. A nutritionist recommends choosing less-processed options when it’s hard to give up convenience foods—for example, making French fries at home—and basing most meals on whole foods to preserve their nutrients.

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