A recent report from the Trump administration’s health officials has revealed a startling truth about the American diet: nearly 70% of the calories children consume come from ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
These foods, which include crisps, pizzas, fizzy drinks, cereal bars, sausages, and many types of bread, often contain artificial flavorings, sweeteners, preservatives, and emulsifiers.
UPFs tend to be high in salt, sugar, and calories, while being low in nutritional value. This shift towards processed foods is linked to a rise in obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases in the US. The report highlights that 90% of medical costs in America are now connected to chronic health conditions, many influenced by diet.
The report urges a return to whole, fresh foods, especially those produced by American farmers, as a vital step in reversing childhood health issues.
It points out that roughly 70% of the 300,000 branded food products on US shelves are ultra-processed, and over half of the calories consumed by Americans come from these foods. In comparison, countries like Portugal, Italy, and France consume far fewer UPFs and have significantly lower obesity rates.
The UK faces similar challenges, with 64% of adults overweight or obese and over 30% living with chronic illnesses. To combat this, the UK government plans a broad ban on UPF advertising before the watershed in 2026, aiming to reduce children’s exposure and consumption.
Clearly, eating more fresh, whole foods and reducing reliance on ultra-processed items is a health priority on both sides of the Atlantic.
