You may feel conflicted or confused about the terminology around processed foods so allow me, a registered dietititan, to help you get a clear understanding.
What does ‘Processed’ actually mean?
The term ‘processed’ when referring to foods is an incredibly broad and ambiguous definition. The word processed just means that the food has been changed from its wholefood state. You may think of Spam or Krispy Kreme doughnuts, but it also includes tinned tomatoes, tofu and olives. Did you know that olives are processed? They are too bitter to be eaten raw so go through a process of curing to make them the delicious snack we know and love them to be.
The term ‘ultra-processed’ has recently been adopted by researchers and the media. So, what does ultra-processed mean? It means that a food product has been made from several processed ingredients. The way the media spins it, it sounds as if we may as well be eating asbestos. In reality, ultra-processed foods include household staple foods such as bread, breakfast cereals and the humble baked bean! These foods are nothing to be feared. We don’t have scientific evidence that points as these individual foods being bad for our health.
2024 update: In two years a lot has changed. Ultraprocessed/ UPF has become a big buzz word and is something we find ourselves talking about a lot. Read our blog on UPF here.
Why do we process foods?
By modifying and processing foods we can increase their safety by reducing the risk of food poisoning and extending their shelf life. It reduces costs by making low quality foods, such as bruised fruit and veg into edible and tasty food products. This helps to reduce food waste. The process of fermentation produces processed foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir which are associated with improved gut health. It is no mystery why the poorest people in society eat the most processed foods- it is because these foods are the cheapest.
The government also mandates processing of flour via fortifying it with calcium, iron and B vitamins and margarines with vitamins A and D. The resulting ‘ultra-processed’ food products contribute to important reduction in nutrient deficiencies.
The UK is headed for a difficult winter, a cost-of-living crisis and hugely inflated cost of fuel. Many people are having to choose between food and warmth. Whole foods, organic foods and unprocessed foods are more expensive in comparison to foods that are processed. Whole foods also require time, education, and cooking resources (fuel) to turn them into meals. It is completely inappropriate and harmful to be encouraging the public to avoid affordable food, especially as it makes up over 50% of the average person’s energy intake. Fearing food is not healthy.
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If you find yourself struggling to eat processed foods due to high anxiety then we are here to help. We are a team of specialist dietitians in mental health and eating disorders. We would love to support you to be your best and healthiest version, and to meet your personal goals. Send us a message here. Or find out more about us here.
Blog written by Sophie
Sophie is a Specialist Eating Disorder Dietitian passionate about delivering great quality care and advocating for her clients. She is naturally curious and driven for continued learning both within the profession and outside of it. Sophie founded Mental Health Dietitians in 2024 to be able to work in a way that is value-aligned and makes a difference to the individuals in her care, as well as the wider profession. She currently supports international clients 1-1 in her online clinic.
