Ultra-processed food consumption is down a bit, but still more than 50% of U.S. diet
NPRThursday, August 7, 2025 at 1:42:46 PM
A new CDC report shows that while Americans are eating slightly fewer ultra-processed foods, these convenient but unhealthy options still make up over half of the average U.S. diet. Kids consume an even higher percentage of these foods, which are often packed with calories but lack nutritional value.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about personal choices—it’s a systemic issue affecting millions. Ultra-processed foods are cheap, heavily marketed, and everywhere, making them hard to avoid. The fact that kids are eating more of them is especially worrying, as poor diets early in life can lead to long-term health problems. The slight dip in consumption is a start, but there’s still a long way to go.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
