New Report Highlights High Intake Among Children
Ultra-processed foods make up the majority of daily calories consumed by American children and a significant share for adults, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, released Thursday, found that 62% of calories in children’s and teens’ diets come from ultra-processed foods, compared to 53% for adults. These are the first official estimates from the CDC quantifying the role of such foods in the U.S. diet.
The findings come amid growing concern from public health officials about the health effects of diets high in ultra-processed foods. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has listed these products among key contributors to what he described as an epidemic of chronic diseases in children. The data was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between August 2021 and August 2023.
Sandwiches, Snacks and Sugary Drinks Top the List
The report identified sandwiches—including burgers, hot dogs, and peanut butter and jelly—as the leading source of ultra-processed food consumption for both children and adults. Other top categories included baked goods, salty snacks and sugary beverages. The analysis used the NOVA classification system, a widely accepted framework developed by Brazilian researchers, to categorize food by level of industrial processing.
Adults with higher incomes tended to consume fewer ultra-processed foods, suggesting a socioeconomic dimension to dietary choices. The CDC also noted a slight downward trend in ultra-processed food intake from 2017 to 2023, though the change was modest. For adults, the decline dates back to 2013, but amounted to just 56 fewer calories over roughly a decade.
Policy Shifts and Calls for Regulation
In response to rising concern, the Department of Health and Human Services has initiated efforts to define what qualifies as “ultra-processed.” Experts believe this definition could eventually influence regulations, including eligibility criteria for food assistance programs. The Food and Drug Administration, during the Biden administration, also proposed new front-of-package labels to highlight high levels of saturated fat, salt and added sugars.
Past policy initiatives have focused primarily on individual ingredients rather than on the level of food processing. Researchers like Susan Mayne, former director of the FDA’s food safety division, noted that not all ultra-processed foods carry equal health risks. Some items, such as certain yogurts and whole grain cereals, may even be associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. Mayne emphasized the importance of refining the definition to distinguish between harmful and non-harmful products.
Marketing and Cultural Factors Drive Consumption
Experts say widespread consumption is partly driven by the convenience of ultra-processed foods, especially for busy families. Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition at New York University, pointed to aggressive marketing strategies that target children directly. These products are often portrayed as fun or aspirational, making them more appealing to younger audiences.
Nestle argued that marketing has trained children to prefer ultra-processed options, which are among the most profitable items for food companies. She expressed hope that future regulations would address not only labeling but also advertising practices, particularly those aimed at children.