Ultra-processed foods: What are they and do we really need to avoid them?

Foods classified as UPF have been demonised as unhealthy — but what exactly are they, and what are the alternatives? Dietitian Orla Walsh gets behind the buzzword

Ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of salt and sugar, as well as other additives. Photo: Getty Images

Orla Walsh

Right now, many articles are being written on ultra-processed foods (UPF), highlighting the detrimental effect they are having on our health. However, it’s important to strike the balance between promoting a whole food approach and scaremongering. ​

Yes, if we eat predominantly UPF, we are more likely to get sick from our poor-quality diet in the long term while not feeling better for it in the short term. But following a predominantly whole food approach with a scattering of UPF is unlikely to result in such issues.