Ten UPFs you should never eat again, and what to buy instead

Ultra-processed foods , or UPFs as they are now known, have been on the radar of the health-conscious for a while now – and new research only intensifies their scrutiny. In a major review of research into UPFs recently published in The Lancet , researchers warn they are displacing whole foods in diets across the world, harming public health and contributing to chronic disease.

It’s estimated ultra-processed foods make up at least half of the average UK diet. “Many UPFs are nutritionally unbalanced,” explains Dr Sammie Gill, registered dietitian and BDA media spokesperson. “They are calorie-dense and contain added fat, sugar, salt, as well as additives such as preservatives, flavourings, emulsifiers, colourings and sweeteners. These change the colour, texture and flavour of foods ma