Ultra-processed foods confusing to UK consumers, reveals BNF survey

18 Feb 2021 --- A majority of UK adults cannot distinguish between processed and ultra-processed foods, according to research conducted on behalf of UK-based charity British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). 

Widespread misunderstanding of these food categories and their nutritional status was revealed through an online survey undertaken by YouGov polling over 2,000 people last month.

Seventy percent of British adults had not heard of the term ultra-processed food before taking the survey, but 36 percent stated they are trying to cut back on some type of processed food.

Speaking to NutritionInsight, Bridget Benelam, a nutritionist at BNF, explains that these statistics show a concerning lack of understanding about food processing and its implications for dietary nutrition. 

“Most foods we eat are processed in some way, for example by cooking, freezing or pickling – either by food manufacturers, caterers or at home.” 

“The term ‘processed foods’ encompasses a huge range of foods – some of which are not healthy choices but others that can help us to have a diet that’s healthy but also affordable and convenient.” 

Benelam emphasizes the importance of cultivating public understanding not to apply blanket definitions to foods based on processing.

“We must look at the overall nutritional composition of a food to make healthier choices.

69 percent of respondents said they think it’s better to cook from scratch than use processed foods.Classifying processed foods 
The survey used a definition of ultra-processed foods set out by the Nova classification system, established by an international panel of food scientists and researchers. 

The Nova system contains four groups: unprocessed and minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods. 

Ultra-processed foods are formulations of ingredients, typically created by a series of industrial techniques and processes.

Common ultra-processed products are carbonated soft drinks, sweets, fatty or salty packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged bread and buns.

This is compared to processed foods, which are made by adding salt, oil or sugar to a product. Examples include canned and bottled vegetables or fruits. 

A 2019 study found that 80 percent of US calorie consumption comes in the form of ultra-processed foods. 

Ultra-processed can be healthy 
Twenty-one percent of respondents said a healthy, balanced diet should not include any ultra-processed foods.

However, when given a list of foods and asked which they would classify as ultra-processed, just 8 percent selected canned baked beans, nine percent low-fat fruit yogurt, 12 percent ice cream, 19 percent pre-packaged sliced bread from a supermarket.26 percent agreed with the statement that it is not possible to cook all their meals from scratch.

This despite all these foods being classified by Nova as ultra-processed. 

Sara Stanner, science director at BNF, comments: “Many foods that would be classified as ultra-processed may not be recognized as such, and while many ultra-processed foods are not healthy options, this isn’t always the case.” 

“There can be a very judgmental attitude toward processed foods, implying that you cannot be eating well if your diet is not made up entirely from ‘real food’ that is cooked from scratch. Just because something is homemade does not necessarily make it a healthy option – recipes vary widely from the very healthy to the very indulgent.”

Benelan concludes that more research is needed in the future and better communication could serve public health attitudes. 

“Our survey has revealed a level of confusion over-processed and ultra-processed foods, and it would be beneficial to talk to consumers in more depth about their thoughts in qualitative studies.” 

“This would help us better understand different people’s concerns and how we can address these to help people have healthier diets.”

By Louis Gore-Langton