Imagine you’re standing in the grocery store, scanning the shelves for something quick, tasty, and—hopefully—healthy. But as you grab that colorful box of snacks, do you really know what’s inside?
Many of our favorite grocery items fall into the category of ultra-processed foods—products that have been heavily altered and often contain ingredients designed to keep you coming back for more.
If you’ve heard the buzz about ultra-processed foods, you’re not alone. These products are everywhere, and the debate about their impact is quickly heating up.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods, Anyway?
Ultra-processed foods aren’t just your average packaged snacks. They’re products that have gone through multiple stages of industrial processing, often containing ingredients you wouldn’t find in a typical kitchen—think artificial flavors, preservatives, colorings, and emulsifiers. These foods are engineered for convenience and long shelf life, but often at the expense of nutritional value.
Recently, the conversation around ultra-processed foods has reached a boiling point. From coast to coast, lawmakers and health advocates are pushing for clearer definitions and stricter regulations in identifying these kinds of products. California, for example, is considering an executive order to remove ultra-processed foods all together from school lunches, signaling a major shift in how we think about what our kids eat.
Meanwhile, other lawsuits are popping up, challenging food companies on the health claims and marketing of these products—many ultra-processed foods lawsuits are currently making headlines for their sheer scale.
How Do You Spot Ultra-Processed Foods?
It isn’t always easy. Ultra-processed foods can look harmless—granola bars, flavored yogurts, even some breads.
The key is in the ingredient list: the longer and more unpronounceable it is, the more likely you’re dealing with an ultra-processed food. If you see things like “maltodextrin,” “hydrolyzed protein,” or “artificial flavors,” it’s a red flag.
What Does This Mean for Food & Beverage Companies?
The federal government is moving toward a formal definition of ultra-processed foods, which could reshape food labeling, food manufacturing and marketing nationwide. California’s ultra-processed food executive order could set a precedent, especially as parents and schools demand better nutrition for their children.
For those in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, these changes signal a time of both challenge and opportunity! Distributors, too, may see shifts in what products are in demand, especially as schools, retailers, and even restaurants as they look to align with new regulations and consumer preferences. Companies may need to reformulate products, rethink ingredient sourcing, and invest in clearer, more transparent labeling.
The Bottom Line
The conversation about ultra-processed foods is just beginning, and it’s a story that affects all of us. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, a health-conscious shopper, or someone curious about the food system, staying informed is your best tool.
Next time you reach for a snack, take a moment to check the label. You might be surprised at what you find!
