Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel Over Half of American Diets, CDC Finds
In a significant revelation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a growing trend that health experts have warned about for years: Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel more than half of Americans’ daily caloric intake. The new report, based on data collected between August 2021 and August 2023, indicates a nationwide dietary shift that has serious implications for public health.
According to the CDC, Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel approximately 55% of the total daily calories consumed by Americans aged one and older. For adults alone, this figure stands at 53%, while children and teens under the age of 18 get a staggering 62% of their daily calories from these foods. The top contributors include burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, sweet baked goods, savory snacks, and sugary beverages.
This is the first time the CDC has confirmed such high levels of ultra-processed food consumption using real-time dietary data. The data paints a concerning picture of America’s nutritional landscape. Despite years of warnings from health professionals, Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel a growing portion of the average American’s diet.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are defined by the Nova classification system, a model developed by Brazilian researchers that categorizes food based on the extent of processing. These foods typically contain high levels of added sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats, artificial ingredients, preservatives, and very little whole or natural food content.
According to the CDC report, such foods are often “hyperpalatable,” meaning they are designed to be extremely tasty and difficult to resist. They are energy-dense and low in essential nutrients and dietary fiber, making them a poor choice for sustained health.
Examples of these foods include sweetened breakfast cereals, frozen ready-to-eat meals, processed meats, soft drinks, candy, and mass-produced baked goods. Despite their popularity for convenience and flavor, the evidence is mounting that Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel a national health crisis.
Disparities in Consumption
The CDC’s report also highlights disparities across various demographics. Low-income individuals consumed a significantly higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods compared to those with higher incomes. Older adults (aged 60 and above) were found to consume fewer ultra-processed calories than younger adults and children.
Children aged 1 to 18 showed the highest rates of ultra-processed food consumption. Alarmingly, Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel almost two-thirds of the daily calorie intake in this age group. Experts believe this early exposure could set lifelong dietary habits, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
A Surprising Trend: Slight Decline Over the Years
While the overall numbers remain high, the CDC did note a slight decline in ultra-processed food consumption over the past decade. For example, adult consumption has dropped from 56% in 2013-2014 to 53% in the latest study, while kids’ intake fell from 66% in 2017-2018 to 62%.
Although these reductions are modest, they may suggest a slow but emerging awareness of dietary quality among Americans. As Andrea Deierlein, a nutrition expert at New York University, points out, “People are trying, at least in some populations, to decrease their intakes of these foods.”
Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods So Harmful?
Studies have repeatedly linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods with obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even depression. One pivotal clinical study found that participants eating ultra-processed foods consumed more calories and gained more weight compared to those who ate minimally processed diets, even when the meals were matched for sugar, fat, and calorie content.
Another study published in Nature showed that participants on minimally processed diets lost twice as much weight as those eating ultra-processed diets, even when the meals were considered nutritionally balanced.
This reinforces the concern that Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel not just caloric intake, but also a pattern of overeating and long-term health decline. The exact reason for this may lie in how these foods affect brain chemistry, satiety, and metabolism.
A Challenge in Definition
Part of the difficulty in regulating or guiding the public lies in defining what exactly counts as “ultra-processed.” U.S. health agencies such as the FDA and the USDA have acknowledged this challenge. They recently issued a request for input to develop a uniform definition for ultra-processed foods across the U.S. food supply.
The current reliance on the Nova classification system is helpful, but still not universally accepted or implemented. This creates inconsistencies in research, regulation, and public messaging.
Policy and Awareness Gaining Momentum
Public health officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have spoken out about the dangers of ultra-processed foods. Kennedy has gone so far as to say, “We are poisoning ourselves and it’s coming principally from these ultra-processed foods.” His comments echo a rising tide of concern from both political and health advocacy groups.
With Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel becoming a trending health topic, some changes are being observed. Grocery stores are expanding their offerings of minimally processed alternatives, organic options, and whole food products. School lunch programs and food assistance programs are also beginning to integrate better choices.
What Can Individuals Do?
Despite the challenges, there are actionable steps consumers can take to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods:
- Read Labels: Learn to recognize added sugars, sodium, and synthetic additives.
- Cook More at Home: Preparing meals from scratch gives control over ingredients.
- Choose Whole Foods: Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Swap Smartly: Replace processed snacks with nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.
- Use Health Apps: Many apps can now scan barcodes and flag ultra-processed products.
Even small changes, like switching from flavored instant oatmeal to plain oats sweetened with honey or maple syrup, can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
The CDC’s latest findings provide powerful evidence that Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel a majority of American diets. While awareness may be growing and some progress is being made, the statistics are a sobering reminder of how far we still need to go.
As more research emerges and definitions are clarified, public health initiatives must evolve to educate and empower individuals, particularly children and low-income communities, to make better food choices.
In the meantime, every informed decision counts. Recognizing how Ultra-Processed Foods Now Fuel our daily lives is the first step toward reclaiming a healthier, more balanced future for all Americans.