Summary
More than half of the calories consumed by American adults and children come from ultra-processed foods, such as burgers and sweetened drinks, according to the CDC. Though consumption of these foods has decreased since 2017, they still make up a large portion of the diet across all age groups.
Key Facts
- The CDC says more than 50% of daily calories for Americans come from ultra-processed foods.
- Ultra-processed foods are items like hamburgers, pizza, and sweetened drinks.
- From 2021 to 2023, 62% of children's calories and 53% of adults' calories were from ultra-processed foods.
- Children aged 6 to 11 had the highest intake of ultra-processed foods.
- The consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased from 2017 to 2023.
- The intake of these foods did not differ significantly by income level.
- Foods like sandwiches, sweet bakery products, and sweetened drinks are major contributors to ultra-processed calorie intake.
- The Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture are working on a standard definition for ultra-processed foods.
