As our culture demands cheap, readymade meals, it is no surprise this convenience comes at a price. Ultra processed foods (UPF), such as cereals, microwave dinners, soft drinks, and packaged snacks, make up 73% of the US food supply and account for 60% of daily calories.16 Emerging evidence identifies the consumption of UPF as potential health risks linking to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression.16 UPF contain added sugars, salts, hydrogenated fats, bulking agents, and starches to enhance the flavor. Foods marketed as healthy often contain extra sugar to help improve their palatability and texture.
