Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are widely discussed in nutrition research, supermarket shopping and public health policy, but the term does not mean that every packaged food is unhealthy. The NOVA classification system groups foods according to how they are processed, while UK dietary guidance continues to emphasise nutritional quality, including sugar, saturated fat, salt and fibre. In April 2025, the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published an updated review of the evidence linking processed foods with health outcomes. The committee found concerning associations but highlighted significant limitations in the evidence. In June 2026, the Government confirmed that it had…
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