The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) has released new data showing that Americans are eating slightly fewer calories from ultraprocessed foods, but the trend is far from a public health win. The data, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), indicates that over 50% of daily calories come from these foods, which are made using industrial methods or high-fructose corn syrup.
The decline in ultraprocessed food consumption is attributed to increased awareness about their potential harm, but experts caution that this trend may be short-lived. The data shows that sandwiches, sweet bakery products, and sugar-sweetened beverages contribute the most calories to daily totals.
Interestingly, adults with higher incomes consume fewer calories from ultraprocessed foods than those with lower incomes, and older individuals also tend to eat less. However, experts argue that food companies aggressively market these products to children and low-income families.
The report’s findings are significant, but its limitations must be considered. The data set is relatively small, and relying on self-reported diet information may lead to inaccuracies. Nevertheless, many researchers view the NHANES as a reliable source of information on American eating habits.
While the decline in ultraprocessed food consumption is a promising sign, it’s essential to recognize that there is still much work to be done. The real message from the C.D.C. report is that Americans are still relying too heavily on these unhealthy foods, particularly among youth.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/well/eat/americans-are-eating-slightly-less-ultraprocessed-food-cdc-data-shows.html