Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods Dominate American Diets and Increase Health Risks
A new CDC report reveals that ultraprocessed foods make up more than half of daily calories in the U.S., with even higher rates among youth. Experts warn of increased health risks, particularly in Black communities
By EEW Magazine Online Health & Wellness Editors
Ultraprocessed foods, which are factory-made and heavily modified products that bear little resemblance to their original ingredients, now make up more than half of the calories Americans consume each day, according to a new analysis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
From August 2021 to August 2023, the CDC found that 55 percent of daily calories came from ultra-processed foods. For children and teens ages 1–18, that number was 61.9 percent, while adults consumed an average of 53 percent.
A new report published by the CDC shows that there has been some improvement in recent years, but ultraprocessed foods still account for more than half of the calories consumed by both children and adults in the United States.
What qualifies as “ultraprocessed”?
Researchers define these foods as industrial formulations with added sugars, salts, fats, preservatives, and artificial additives that have often been stripped of fiber and nutrients. Popular examples include:
Burgers, hot dogs, and packaged sandwiches
Sweet bakery items such as cookies, cakes, and pastries
Savory snacks like chips and cheese puffs
Sugary drinks including sodas and sweetened teas
Pizza for children and teens, and breads, rolls, and tortillas for adults
These findings are consistent with earlier studies from Johns Hopkins University, which have documented a steady rise in ultra-processed food intake over the last two decades. During the same time, consumption of minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins has been declining.
The health impact is serious
Multiple studies have linked high intake of ultraprocessed foods to obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and premature death. A large review found that individuals who consumed the most ultraprocessed foods faced a 15 percent higher risk of dying from any cause.
A controlled trial showed that people eating a diet high in ultraprocessed foods consumed an average of 500 extra calories per day without realizing it, leading to weight gain. Those who switched to minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight in eight weeks, even when their calorie goals were similar.
Why it matters for our community
Black Americans, especially Black women, face disproportionately high rates of diet-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Nutrition experts stress that reducing ultraprocessed food intake could play a key role in addressing these health disparities.
Faith and stewardship of the body
While the CDC report is sobering, it also presents an opportunity for change. Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for that temple involves making wise choices about what we consume.
“Small, consistent changes such as cooking more meals at home, replacing sugary drinks with water, or choosing fresh produce over packaged snacks can have a lasting impact,” said one dietitian. “It is not about perfection, but about progress.”
For families with limited access to fresh food, options like community gardens, farmers’ markets, and discounted stores like Aldi can make healthier eating more accessible and affordable.
Bottom line: Ultraprocessed foods may be convenient and inexpensive, but the hidden cost is paid in diminished health. As believers, we are called to steward our bodies well, fueling them with foods that support life, vitality, and the work God has called us to do.
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