ultra-processed

American  

[uhl-truh-pros-est] / ˈʌl trəˈprɒs ɛst /

Also highly processed

adjective

1. being, consisting of, or relating to a food product whose form and substance have gone through multiple processes of modification along with the addition of such ingredients as sugars, salt, fats, and artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

   My intake of ultra-processed foods is down to an occasional hotdog at the ballpark and one weekly order of chicken nuggets.

   The study found that participants eating an ultra-processed diet ate faster.

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Etymology

Origin of ultra-processed

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

While the study did not identify a direct link between ultra-processed foods and memory loss, the researchers note that attention is a fundamental cognitive function.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

The study found that even modest increases in ultra-processed food consumption were associated with measurable declines in attention and mental processing speed.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

McDonald’s chicken nuggets were apparently an ultra-processed food item too far for the folks at Six Flags’ Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

A diet packed with fruit and vegetables, rather than going all in on ultra-processed foods, will contain potassium, which can counteract some of the impact of salt.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Among his department priorities became targeting food dyes and ultra-processed foods.

From Salon • May 13, 2026