Nope, they’re not the same!

Learn how to understand food labels and make the most nutritious choices for you.

Youve heard of processed foods before, but what about ultra-processed foods?

This descriptor is gaining more attention as research around this food category unfolds.

What are ultra-foods, anywayand whats considered a processed food in the first place?

First, what are unprocessed foods (a.k.a.

Before we get into processed and ultra-processed foods, lets brush up on whatunprocessedfoods are.

What are processed foods?

When many of us think of processed foods, were actually likely thinking of ultra-processed foods.

But theres a distinct difference between these two categories.

Just because a food is processed doesnt mean its bad.

Processed foods tend to be more nutrient-dense with fewer ingredients, additives, and refinement.

What are ultra-processed foods?

Lets look at an example of the trajectory a food may move through with these processing phases.

Whole strawberries would be the unprocessed food, while freeze dried strawberries would illustrate a processed option.

Then, an ultra-processed example might be strawberry-flavored sour gummy ropes.

Ultra-processed foods are also effectively the topand onlysource oftrans fats in the diet.

Is it OK to eat ultra-processed foods sometimes?

Heres how to find a healthy balance in everyday life.

Prioritize whole and minimally processed foods.

Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods most of the time and venture to limit ultra-processed foods," Tamburello reiterates.

Look at all nutrition labels.

When it comes to both processed and ultra-processed foods, be sure to read the nutrition and ingredient labels.

Moderation and balance are nutritional golden tickets.

As with everything else in the diet, including our healthiest foods, moderation is key.

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