Ultra-processed Food Consumption in Youth and Adults: United States, August 2021-August 2023.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey (NHANES national surveillance data)
PubMed 41027400 · doi:10.15620/cdc/174612
What was done
Researchers linked NHANES August 2021–August 2023 dietary data with National Cancer Institute ultra-processed food classifications based on a single Day 1 dietary recall interview. Mean percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was assessed by sex, age, family income, and 10-year trends using t-tests and polynomial regression, accounting for the complex survey design and sample weights.
What was found
Youth aged 1–18 years consumed 61.9% of total daily calories from ultra-processed foods, whereas adults aged 19 and older consumed 53.0%. Four of the top five sources for both youth and adults were sandwiches (including burgers), sweet bakery products, savory snacks, and sweetened beverages. Mean ultra-processed food calorie consumption decreased among adults between 2013–2014 and August 2021–August 2023.
Why it matters
This report provides updated national benchmark data showing that ultra-processed foods continue to constitute the majority of caloric intake among both children and adults in the United States, despite a modest 10-year downward trend in adults.
Limits
Participant sample size is not stated in the abstract. Dietary assessment relied on a single 24-hour recall, which is subject to recall bias, reporting errors, and day-to-day variability. The cross-sectional design cannot evaluate longitudinal individual-level trajectories or health outcomes.
Cited by
- contradicts The United States has the highest consumption of ultra-processed food in the world, with average consumption exceeding 70% of total diet and many individuals consuming 80% or more.