They're tasty, affordable and satisfy fast -- ultra-processed foods dominate the American diet, accounting for more than half of the calories consumed by the average adult, and even more for children.
These foods are a growing public health concern and federal health officials are working to remove some from food assistance programs. But experts warn that the term covers more than just what is typically considered "junk food."
Roughly 75% of the U.S. food supply is considered ultra-processed, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health states.
A cart filled with whole grain bread, breakfast cereal and strawberry yogurt is as likely to contain UPFs as a cart loaded with instant ramen and soda.
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