Ultra-Processed Foods Don’t Actually Taste Better Than Healthier Options, Says Study

A new report which was put forth by the World Economic Forum’s New Frontiers of Nutrition community in conjunction with Accenture says that ultra-processed foods aren’t tastier than healthy options. Instead, the research suggests that preference for ultra-processed foods can be traced back to times when food access was more unstable. 

View this post on Instagram

Scientists say that humans are naturally hardwired to prefer calories over fullness. This explains why ultra-processed foods, which are often high in calories but low in nutritional value, are frequently more appealing. This adaptation helped our ancestors survive periods when there was less food available. 

However, nowadays ultra-processed foods are readily available. Additionally, they are often more affordable than healthier options. Overconsumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to worrying health consequences. These include a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. 

In light of the information released in the report, the New Frontiers of Nutrition program is working with partners to promote a healthier diet. This diet is high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, healthy fats, and lean protein sources. They aim to make healthy foods such as these more affordable and accessible. This would allow people to make healthier food choices, and reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Related Content: 

• How to Cut Down on Processed Foods This Summer (And Always!)
• Research Shows Increase of Ultra-Processed Foods in Adolescents’ Diets
• How Processed Foods Impact Heart Health
• Why and How to Choose Plant-Based Whole Foods Over Processed Foods
• Ultra-Processed Foods and Why You Should Avoid Them 

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!