A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey presents estimates about ultra-processed foods during August 2021–August 2023 by top caloric contributors and mean percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods by sex, age, family income, and 10-year trends.
The survey defines ultra-processed foods as tending to be “hyperpalatable, energy-dense, low in dietary fiber, and contain little or no whole foods, while having high amounts of salt, sweeteners and unhealthy fats.”
Key findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey:
- During August 2021–August 2023, the mean percentage of total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods among those age 1 year and older was 55.0%.
- Youth ages 1–18 years consumed a higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods (61.9%) than adults age 19 and older (53.0%).
- Among adults, the mean percentage of total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods was lowest in the highest family income group.
- The top five sources of calories from ultra-processed foods among youth were sandwiches (including burgers), which contributed 7.6% of total calories, followed by sweet bakery products (6.3%), savory snacks (4.9%), pizza (4.7%), and sweetened beverages (3.9%),
- Similarly, the top five sources of calories from ultra-processed foods among adults were sandwiches (including burgers), which contributed 8.6% of total calories, followed by sweet bakery products (5.2%), sweetened beverages (4.4%), savory snacks (3.4%), and breads, rolls, and tortillas (3.1%).
- Between 2013–2014 and August 2021–August 2023, the consumption of mean calories from ultra-processed foods among adults decreased.
