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yesterday

New Meta-Analysis Finds No Safe Level of Ultra-Processed Foods

After analyzing data from millions of participants, researchers found that even low-level consumption elevates chronic disease risk.

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Hot dogs are ready for the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating competition at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York on July 4, 2025.
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Overview

  • Published June 30 in Nature Medicine, the study applied a conservative Burden of Proof method to assess links between ultra-processed foods and three major diseases.
  • The analysis reviewed over 70 studies involving several million participants and showed a monotonic increase in health risks with any habitual intake.
  • Eating 50 grams of processed meat daily—about one hot dog—was linked to an 11% higher risk of type 2 diabetes and a 7% increased chance of colorectal cancer.
  • Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages corresponded to an 8% rise in diabetes risk and a 2% uptick in ischemic heart disease risk.
  • Even small amounts of trans fatty acids, accounting for 0.25% to 2.56% of daily energy, were associated with a 3% greater risk of ischemic heart disease.