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Ultraprocessed foods are industrially manufactured products made from refined ingredients, additives, and preservatives, with little to no whole food content. They are primarily designed for convenience and long shelf life (Hedrih, 2024; Monteiro et al., 2019). They are most often hyperpalatable, making them easy to overconsume. Common examples include sugary cereals, instant noodles, soft drinks, and packaged snacks.
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Editorial responsibilityHow to cite this entry
The Center for Nutritional Psychology. (2025). Ultra-Processed Foods. In Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/ultra-processed-foods/Know a term that belongs in the Encyclopedia?
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