Americans eat fewer ultra-processed foods than before

Consumption of ultra-processed foods in the United States has decreased slightly in recent years, but remains the highest in the world, reveals a study published this Thursday (7).

These foods and drinks, such as hamburgers, soft drinks, industrial cakes or French fries, are rich in sugar, fat, salt and additives.

Excessive consumption is associated with a greater risk of obesity, diabetes and even cardiovascular disease.

According to research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the country's main health agency, these foods made up 55% of Americans' calorie intake between 2021 and 2023.

This average was higher among minors (62%) than among adults (53%).

The numbers place the United States among the countries that consume the most calories from ultra-processed foods, along with the United Kingdom and Canada.

Other Western countries, such as Italy and France, have healthier eating habits, according to studies conducted in recent years.

Italians consume less than 20% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, compared to an estimated 30% to 35% among the French.

The latest American data, however, raises hope, as the proportion of calories consumed from ultra-processed foods decreased slightly in the latest period studied compared to previous ones.

Adult consumption was 56% in 2017-2018 and that of minors was 65.6%.

The study does not explain the reason for this small decrease.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., under fire for his anti-vaccine stance, has made combating chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes, one of his priorities. He is highly critical of what Americans call "junk food."

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