The American Heart Association (AHA) has released long-awaited guidelines on the consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). The new statement advises Americans to limit their intake of the most harmful UPFs while allowing some healthier options.
According to the AHA, most UPFs are unhealthy and contribute to chronic illnesses. However, not all UPFs are created equal, and some can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. The report categorizes UPFs into three groups: least healthy, moderately healthy, and healthy.
The least healthy group includes high fat red meat, processed meats, butter, and sugar-laden foods. Moderately healthy options include white rice and pasta, full-fat dairy, and store-bought meals made with healthier ingredients.
The guidelines also emphasize that even healthier UPFs should be monitored to ensure they remain that way. The AHA recommends Americans stop eating as many of the most harmful UPFs and focus on whole, minimally processed foods.
Experts, including Marion Nestle, a renowned nutrition expert, expressed disappointment with the guidance, citing research that shows “healthy” UPFs can still lead to overeating and weight gain.
The guidelines come at a time when Americans are consuming increasingly more UPFs. According to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 55% of daily calories come from UPFs among adults aged 1+, while children between 1-18 years old consume 62%. The AHA report warns that excessive consumption of UPFs can lead to heart attacks, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and all-cause mortality.
To mitigate these risks, the AHA advises Americans to focus on whole, minimally processed foods while allowing some healthier UPFs in moderation.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/08/health/aha-ultraprocessed-food-guidelines-wellness