A panel of US health experts has recommended that certain ultra-processed foods (UPFs) be treated differently under policy, as not all UPFs have the same health effects. The panel found that foods like breads, breakfast cereals, and plant-based meat alternatives can have health benefits, while processed meats and sugary drinks are associated with increased health risks. The report, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, suggests excluding foods from restrictive UPF policies if they meet certain nutritional criteria.

The recommendations aim to ensure that policies do not disadvantage nutritionally sound products, building on existing FDA regulations. The panel's findings are consistent with the American Heart Association's position that not all UPFs are unhealthy, and some can be part of a healthy diet. For manufacturers of plant-based products, the report provides a science-informed argument against treating all processed foods as equal, emphasizing the need for policy decisions based on evidence rather than ideology.