ultra-processed
Industrial formulations typically composed of five or more ingredients, including substances not used in home kitchens, such as hydrogenated oils and flavor enhancers.
This term is specifically linked to the NOVA classification system, which categorizes food by the extent of industrial processing rather than nutrient content.
Word relationships
- hyper-processed: Hyper-processed is a more informal way of saying the same thing, emphasizing the extreme nature of the processing.
- unprocessed: Unprocessed refers to food in its natural state, like a whole apple.
Commonly confused with
- processed: Processed food is often a single ingredient altered (like salted nuts); ultra-processed food is a complex mixture of many industrial ingredients.
Word family
- ultra-processing (noun): The industrial method of creating ultra-processed foods.
Collocations
- ultra-processed diet
- ultra-processed snacks
- ultra-processed ingredients
Example sentences
- "Ultra-processed foods are not 'modified' foods, but formulations of industrial ingredients." A scientific definition of modern diets. (Carlos Monteiro, Public Health Nutrition)
- "Diets high in ultra-processed products have been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome." Health warnings in journalism.
Memory hook
Ultra means 'extreme'. Ultra-processed is 'extremely' far from the farm. Beyond the kitchen.
When not to use
Don't use this for simple processed foods like cheese or canned vegetables; it is reserved for things like soda, packaged snacks, and instant noodles.
Fun facts
- The term was first popularized by Brazilian researchers in 2009 to explain why obesity was rising even as people bought less sugar and oil for home cooking.
Explore more words
shortening, nutrient, plant-based, nutritional, macronutrient, flavorant
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