Ultra-processed foods now make up over half of Americans' daily calories

Over half of the calories Americans eat now come from ultra-processed foods, a new CDC report reveals. Between August 2021 and August 2023, these foods made up 55% of the average daily calorie intake. Health experts continue to warn about the risks linked to such diets. The study used the Nova classification system to track food processing levels. It found that while consumption of ultra-processed foods had dipped slightly over the past decade, they still dominated diets. Burgers, sandwiches, sweet baked goods, savoury snacks, pizza, and sugary drinks were the biggest contributors.

Ultra-processed foods tend to be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats but low in fibre and whole ingredients. Research has tied them to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. One study even showed that people ate more calories and gained more weight when on ultra-processed diets—even when meals were matched for calories, sugar, fat, and nutrients. The report highlighted differences between age groups. Adults got about 53% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, while children and teens under 18 consumed nearly 62%.

The findings suggest a persistent reliance on heavily processed foods across the US. Public health guidance continues to recommend cutting back on these products in favour of whole, minimally processed options. The long-term health effects of such diets remain a growing concern for researchers and policymakers.