Overview

• The CDC found that ultra-processed foods accounted for 55% of Americans’ caloric intake between August 2021 and August 2023, with children averaging 62% and adults 53%.
• Consumption of these foods has edged down over the past decade from about 56% to 53% for adults and from nearly 66% to 62% for children.
• Sandwiches (including burgers), sweet bakery products, savory snacks, pizza and sweetened beverages were identified as the top sources of ultra-processed calories.
• Higher-income adults consumed about half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, roughly 5% less than lower-income peers, while intake among children showed little variation by income.
• Public health experts are discussing classification criteria and measures such as front-of-package warning labels and SNAP purchase limits to curb ultra-processed food consumption.