Ultra-processed foods – not a vegan issue

A study found that the average UK adolescent gets two-thirds of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are often criticized in vegan diets. The study showed that higher intake of UPFs is linked to factors such as being male, white, age 18 years, having parents with routine or manual occupations, living in the North of England, living with obesity – and surprisingly, not being vegan. The authors suggest that inequalities are associated with UPF intake and may be influenced by factors beyond individual choice.

The research, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, used data from nearly 3,000 11- to 18-year-olds in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. The study sheds light on the prevalence of UPF consumption among adolescents and highlights the need to address the societal factors that contribute to unhealthy eating habits. The findings emphasize that the issue of UPFs is not exclusive to vegan diets and calls for collective efforts to promote healthier food choices among all demographics.