According to the German magazine Focus, one in two products sold commercially is now considered “UPF”, that is to say “ultra processed food”. These ultra-processed foods have undergone significant transformation through industrial processes and often contain a multitude of ingredients, including additives, flavorings and preservatives.
These typically include ready-to-eat products, fast food, frozen meals, snacks, sodas and sweets. These foods are generally high in energy, but low in nutrients and fiber.
Examples: prepared meals (frozen pizzas, ready-made soups), fast food (burgers, fries, chicken nuggets), cereals and cereal bars, sodas and other sugary drinks, chips and aperitif biscuits (chips tortillas, popcorn), instant pasta, sweets (chocolate bars, little bears), biscuits, cakes and pastries, cold meats and meat substitutes, ready-to-use sauces and dressings, frozen meals, energy drinks and sports drinks.
