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

See Examples For:

ultra-processed

Other factors - like the proliferation of ultra-processed foods - also matter.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

To estimate UPF consumption, the researchers analyzed two 24-hour dietary recalls from each participant and calculated the share of daily calories that came from ultra-processed foods.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

This week, Kennedy carried that project further, promising the federal government’s first official definition of ultra-processed food.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

The transformation is visible everywhere: from supermarket shelves stocked with ultra-processed foods to pizzerias selling slices piled high with chips, sausages and fried snacks.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

The researchers also found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increase in known dementia risk factors.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 9, 2026