Overview

• Using Canadian health and diet data from more than 6,000 people, researchers report that higher ultra‑processed intake is linked to elevated blood pressure and blood sugar over time.
• The Canadian analysis used the NOVA system and highlighted that products perceived as wholesome, such as granola bars, sports drinks and fruit‑filled yogurt, also fall into the ultra‑processed category.
• The same Canadian team points to potential mechanisms beyond calories or single nutrients, suggesting roles for additives, inflammatory responses and hormone disruptions.
• Canada has set January 2026 for mandatory front‑of‑package declarations when foods contain high levels of sodium, sugar or saturated fat.
• A large UK study of over 3,000 adults found that once nutrient content and perceptions were considered, NOVA classification explained less than 2% of variation in liking and about 4% in overeating, prompting calls for food literacy, targeted reformulation and attention to eating motivations rather than broad UPF labels.