FSM 327: Ultra-processed Foods: Demographics and Our Choices

Episode transcript [Music] This is Food Safety in a Minute, I’m Susie Craig. A recently published article from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found ultra-processed foods account for more than half the calories consumed at home. Researchers found few differences by age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, or education. Americans consume about a third of food away from home. In 2018, 67% of food eaten away from the home was ultra-processed. Is ultra-processed food, junk food? The answer is, often, but not always. While many are highly caloric, there are healthy choices as well. Fortified plant-based milks, Greek yogurt with live probiotics, whole wheat pasta, canned fish, nut butters, dark chocolate, ready to drink smoothies, fortified cottage cheese. Lots of safe, healthy choices. From Washington State University Extension, thanks for listening. [Music] Resources: Ducharme, Jamie. Time Magazine (8/28/24). Why One Dietitian is Speaking Up for ‘Ultra-Processed Foods. Accessed online 2/12/25. https://time.com/7007857/ultra-processed-foods-advocate/. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Ultra processed Foods Account for More than Half of Calories Consumed at Home (12/10/24). Accessed online 2/12/25. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/ultraprocessed-foods-account-for-more-than-half-of-calories-consumed-at-home.