ultra-processed food

plural ultra-processed foods · alternative ultraprocessed food

1. countableuncountableAny processed food characterized by relatively involved methods of industrial production, often with artificial additives such as colorings and preservatives. (Often vaguely defined but usually agreed to be food that is made in a factory and that home cooks would not know how to make and would not even be equipped to make.)

   1 more example

   But not all ultra-processed foods are equally concerning. Teasing out what UPFs fall under the moniker of “junk food,” is more nuanced. ... The term “ultra-processed foods” originated from the Nova food classification system, which defines food in four categories, ranging from least to most processed ... Ultra-processed foods, like energy drinks, instant oatmeal, sliced bread, or hot dogs."

   2025 November 10, Morgan Coulson, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health, archived from the original on 04 Dec 2025

   Synonyms: UPF · Antonyms: whole food, home cooking