Ultra-Processed Foods

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.