What is the difference between processed foods and 'ultra-processed'? Which category does dairy fall into? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between processed foods and ultra-processed foods? ›

Unlike minimally processed foods that may have undergone simple procedures, ultra-processed foods undergo extensive processing and are often left far from their original natural state. These products typically contain a long list of additives, artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners, and preservatives.

According to these categories, dairy foods are broadly classified as follows: Milk and plain yoghurt fall into the unprocessed or minimally processed food group. Cheeses which are processed simply and not packaged are considered processed foods.

Processed food (Group 3)

Ready-to-consume, by themselves or in combinations. Canned vegetables, cereals or pulses, nuts added with salt or sugar, salted meats, fish preserved in oil or water and salt, canned fruits added sugar, cheeses, and breads.

Processed foods are any foods that have been altered from their natural state, usually for convenience, safety, or shelf life. Unprocessed foods are those that are in their original form, or minimally changed by washing, peeling, or cutting.

Defining Processed and Whole Foods

These changes can involve the addition of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial flavors, and preservatives. In contrast, whole foods are in their natural or minimally processed state, providing essential nutrients without excessive additives.

The third group (ultra-processed foods) is composed of industrial products that are made entirely or mostly made from substances that have been extracted from food (oils, fats,sugar, starch, proteins), those that are derived from food constituents (hydrogenated fats, modified starches), or foods synthesized in a ...

Ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar and when we eat them, we leave less room in our diets for more nutritious foods. It's also been suggested that the additives in these foods could be responsible for negative health effects.

What counts as processed food? Examples of common processed foods include: breakfast cereals. cheese.

Most flavored yogurts, like the one on top, have ingredients that make them ultra-processed. Some plain yogurts, like the one on the bottom, aren't ultra-processed. This plain yogurt consists of pasteurized milk, cream and live active yogurt cultures.

What foods are not ultra-processed? ›

These foods go through multiple processes (extrusion, molding, milling, etc.), contain many added ingredients and are highly manipulated. Examples are soft drinks, chips, chocolate, candy, ice-cream, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, fries and more.

Processed foods are a combination of whole foods – such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and eggs - and processed culinary ingredients. For example, bread made from wheat flour, water, salt and yeast is a processed food. However, if emulsifiers, colourings or preservatives were added, the bread would be ultra-processed.

The modern manufacture of natural cheese consists of four basic steps: coagulating, draining, salting, and ripening. Processed cheese manufacture incorporates extra steps, including cleaning, blending, and melting. No two cheese varieties are produced by the same method.

According to the Department of Agriculture, processed food are any raw agricultural commodities that have been washed, cleaned, milled, cut, chopped, heated, pasteurized, blanched, cooked, canned, frozen, dried, dehydrated, mixed or packaged — anything done to t hem that alters their natural state.

Examples are soft drinks, chips, chocolate, candy, ice-cream, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, fries and more.

Pasta is also processed and by itself fits in a healthy diet. When pre-prepared pasta dishes add salt, fat, and other ingredients, they are ultra-processed. Plain cornflakes, which we consider healthy, are processed but not ultra-processed until frosted with sugar, colors and flavorings are added.