Understanding the Difference Between Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

The Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit Is An Active Lawsuit

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Many people are learning about the difference between processed and ultra-processed foods. Almost all foods undergo a certain level of processing, because processing can include things like cutting, separating, freezing, or cooking ingredients. However, some foods go through many levels of processing and may contain human-made ingredients or food derivatives. These foods, known as ultra-processed foods (UPFs), often offer little or no nutritional value. They tend to have several ingredients, additives, or preservatives to help extend their shelf life and alter their taste.

Eating ultra-processed foods, especially in childhood, has been linked with severe health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Prior to the rise of ultra-processed foods, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were mainly diagnosed in adults. Today, more children are being diagnosed with the conditions, and many experts believe it is related to diets high in ultra-processed foods.

King Law continues to investigate injury claims related to ultra-processed foods. Parents of children diagnosed with diet-related conditions, or adults who were diagnosed with such conditions as children, are encouraged to contact King Law. We can help people determine whether they may be eligible to take legal action against food manufacturers that contribute to UPF-related health risks.

About The Difference Between Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods:

What Are Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods?

Definitions for processed and ultra-processed foods can vary. Various state, government, and scientific bodies define these foods in slightly different ways. The NOVA Food Classification System is an internationally recognized classification system used to identify the level of processing a food goes through. This system groups foods into four categories:

• Unprocessed or minimally processed foods
• Processed culinary ingredients
• Processed foods
• Ultra-processed foods

Experts agree that the healthiest diets are those that consist mainly of unprocessed or minimally processed foods. However, eating some processed foods is inevitable in most people’s diets.

Not all processing that food goes through is bad; it generally depends on the level of modification. For example, most milk is considered a processed food because it has undergone the process of pasteurization. Pasteurization can protect people from being sickened by pathogens. Processing makes many foods safer to consume.

However, ultra-processed foods have undergone significant modifications and typically have a number of additives and preservatives. Studies show that overconsuming ultra-processed foods can lead to adverse health effects, including an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What Are Processed Foods?

The NOVA Food Classification System defines processed foods as those that have undergone minimal to moderate processing, such as the addition of salt, sugar, and other substances to enhance their shelf life or make them more palatable. They tend to resemble the food that they were derived from and have only two or three ingredients. Common processing methods include pasteurization, canning, fermentation, and freezing or drying.

Examples of processed foods:

• Canned beans
• Fresh-made/homemade breads
• Yogurt
• Frozen vegetables
• Freshly made cheeses
• Canned chicken or tuna
• Salted or sugared nuts without extra additives
• Bacon
• Tomato extract, paste, or concentrate

Each of these foods is processed, but they have not been heavily altered. It is important to note that all processed foods are not unhealthy. Some processing is even necessary in certain situations for safety reasons. Ultra-processed foods, however, can be detrimental to a person’s health because of their excessive additives and preservatives.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods are heavily modified industrial products. Ultra-processed foods make up at least 54% of most American’s diets. They generally contain little to no whole ingredients and lack nutritional value. Some experts classify these foods as edible substances, as opposed to foods, because many of these foods’ ingredients are synthetic and manufactured in a laboratory. Ultra-processed foods often have a number of additives, including artificial flavoring, preservatives, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, and refined sugars. These additives are designed to enhance taste and texture and extend shelf life.

Examples of ultra-processed foods:

• Most fast food
• Sugary cereals
• Packaged snacks
• Sodas and many bottled drinks
• Premade cookies
• Ice cream and frozen desserts
• Energy drinks or sports drinks
• Sweetened juices
• Margarines or spreads
• Packaged breads, including most store-bought breads, buns, or rolls

Ultra-processed foods tend to undergo significant industrial processing, such as high-pressure extrusion, hydrogenation, refining, bleaching, and the addition of synthetic additives. Many ultra-processed foods are considered junk foods. Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods has been linked with adverse health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other diet-related health problems.

Similarities Between Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

Both processed and ultra-processed foods involve modification to the ingredients to enhance their shelf life or increase palatability. In each case, the manufacturer may add preservatives or flavor enhancers to help improve the taste of the product or increase its longevity. Both foods also undergo a certain level of change from their natural state. Each type of food is also widely available and now makes up a large portion of American diets in both children and adults. Recent studies have found that 67% of American children’s diets come from ultra-processed foods.

Key Differences Between Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

Although there are some similarities between processed and ultra-processed foods, there are also key differences. In general, it is recommended that children and adults seek food that has undergone minimal processing. Ultra-processed foods and processed foods tend to differ in nutritional value, ingredients, and additives.

Nutritional Value

Processed foods tend to retain more nutritional value than their ultra-processed counterparts. Most food goes through some level of processing, meaning that processed foods can be a part of a balanced diet if they contain the essential nutrients. Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, have almost no nutrients. They tend to be high in calories, sugar, salts, and unhealthy fats but low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Number of Ingredients

In addition to having little to no nutritional value, ultra-processed foods also have a higher number of ingredients compared to processed foods. Processed foods usually contain two to three ingredients that may be commonly found in a household kitchen, such as salt and water. Ultra-processed foods usually have a long ingredient list, many of which are not whole foods. The contents of which include chemical additives, emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Level of Modification

Another difference between processed foods and ultra-processed foods is the level of modification or the degree of processing. Processed foods usually undergo minimal or moderate processing, such as canning or pasteurization, while UPFs undergo substantial processing. UPFs are generally made using industrial techniques, including emulsification, hydrogenation, and extraction. These processes significantly alter the structure of the underlying ingredients.

Additives and Chemical Ingredients

Another distinguishing feature of ultra-processed foods is the number and types of additives used. UPFs usually contain little to no whole ingredients. Most ingredients are manufactured or synthesized in a laboratory. Chemicals, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and flavor enhancers are then added to the ingredients to extend shelf life and enhance taste. Processed foods tend to have fewer preservatives or added flavorings.

Lists of Common Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods

The ability to identify processed foods and ultra-processed foods is critical to ensuring a well-balanced diet. It is important to review ingredient lists and to avoid fast food or prepared meals when possible. Ultra-processed foods, which have been shown to increase a person’s risk of certain health problems, have more ingredients, additives, and preservatives compared to processed foods. Understanding which foods are processed and which ones are ultra-processed is crucial to making healthier food choices when shopping.

Examples of Processed Foods

• Bread without additives, conditioners, or emulsifiers
• Canned beans or vegetables
• Tomato extract, paste, or concentrates
• Fresh cheese
• Bacon
• Beef jerky
• Salted, dried, or smoked meats and fishes
• Pickles
• Plain yogurt
• Frozen fruit and vegetables

Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods

• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Packaged breads
• Frozen pizza or appetizers
• Ice cream and frozen desserts
• Sports drinks and energy drinks
• Meal replacement shakes
• Fast food items (nuggets, fries, burgers)
• Packaged snacks (chips, candy, cookies)
• Soft drinks, energy drinks, and flavored juices
• Margarines and spreads
• Cakes and cake mixes
• Canned soups
• Chocolate milk
• Instant noodles and frozen microwave meals
• Many protein-enriched or reduced-sugar foods

Common Chemicals in Processed vs Ultra-Processed Foods

Both processed and ultra-processed foods can contain chemicals that enhance flavor or extend the product’s shelf life. The types of additives, however, are different between the two types of foods. Chemicals found in ultra-processed foods tend to be associated with greater harms to human health.

Common Additives in Processed Foods

• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): Used as an antioxidant, it prevents browning.
• Citric acid: Natural preservative found in fruits.
• Calcium propionate: Preserves bread and baked goods.
• Iodine: Added to salt to prevent goiter.
• Starch: Added as a thickener.
• B Vitamins: Riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, folate, or folic acid may be added to help fortify foods.
• Beta carotene and iron (ferrous sulfate): Used as an antioxidant.
• Amino acids: Boost protein.

Common Additives in Ultra-Processed Foods

• High-fructose corn syrup: Cheap sugar substitute in sodas and sweets.
• Sodium nitrite: Preservative in processed meats.
• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose): Found in diet sodas.
• Emulsifiers (lecithins, polysorbates): Give ultra-processed foods a smooth texture.
• Artificial colors: Artificial dyes used to alter the color of the food, including FD&C Yellow No. 6 and Red Dye 40.
• Thickeners: Chemicals added to thicken the product include xanthan gum, pectin, carrageenan, and guar gum.
• Flavor enhancer: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), commonly used to enhance or alter a flavor.

How Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Children’s Health

Growing research shows that ultra-processed foods may be harmful to a child’s health. One study indicates that UPFs now make up two-thirds of a youth’s diet in the U.S. This means that millions of children are at risk for adverse health effects such as childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Childhood Obesity & Metabolic Disorders

Ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives. These things can contribute to childhood weight problems, including obesity. Overconsumption of these foods has been linked with excessive calorie intake, accumulation of fat, and metabolic imbalances, resulting in diet-related conditions. Additionally, consuming ultra-processed foods on a regular basis may disrupt the body’s ability to properly regulate insulin, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Children who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods may be at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that the exponential growth of type 2 diabetes over the past twenty years may be linked to an increase in consumption of UPFs. It is believed that the refined carbohydrates and added sugars frequently found in UPFs may cause blood sugar spikes. These spikes may disrupt the body’s ability to regulate insulin and, therefore result in the development of type 2 diabetes at an early age.

Ultra-Processed Foods and NAFLD

Another condition on the rise in children since the advent of ultra-processed foods is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The condition, once primarily found in adults, is being diagnosed in children at an increasing rate. It is believed that the high fructose syrup found in sugary drinks and processed snacks may lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, causing inflammation and long-term damage.

King Law Is Accepting Ultra-Processed Food Cases for Children

King Law is currently accepting ultra-processed food claims nationwide. Lawsuits against food manufacturers are emerging across the country. These lawsuits allege the companies knew about the dangers of consuming their products and failed to warn consumers. The attorneys at King Law are well-versed in seeking justice against large corporations and fighting to ensure clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our team to understand how to file a UPF lawsuit.

Contact King Law for a Free Case Review and Legal Consultation

Parents of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or another diet-related condition are encouraged to contact King Law for a free case evaluation. Similarly, if an adult was diagnosed with one of these diseases as a child, they may have a case. Contact us at King Law to understand your options for filing an ultra-processed food lawsuit. When you work with King Law and our legal partners, claims are accepted on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. Aggrieved individuals can call (585) 326-9763 or complete a consultation form online.

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