A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that ultra-processed foods make up a significant portion of children's diets in the United States. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, children aged 1 to 18 consumed an average of 61.9% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods between August 2021 and August 2023. This is higher than the 53% consumed by adults during the same period.

Ultra-processed foods are defined as those containing added fats, sugars, and preservatives , making them energy-dense and low in nutritional value. Common examples include sandwiches, sweet bakery products, savory snacks, and sugary beverages. The report highlights that children aged 6 to 11 and 12 to 18 consumed more calories from these

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