Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in your food? A recent report from the CDC has some eye-opening stats that might just make you rethink your diet. According to their data, over half of Americans’ calories come from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). That’s right, more than 50% of what we eat is made up of industrial formulations designed to be hyper-palatable and shelf-stable.
But what exactly are UPFs? Think sweetened breakfast cereals, sodas, frozen pizzas, ready meals, hot dogs, packaged chips, crackers, and pastries. These foods are made largely from extracted or synthesized ingredients like oils, starches, sugars, protein isolates, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
The CDC’s data also breaks down the stats by age group. For adults, 53% of total calories come from UPFs, while for children, a staggering 61.9% of calories come from these foods. That’s the highest exposure of any age group.
While there has been a slight decline in UPF consumption since 2013-2014, the numbers are still alarming. So, what can we do about it? Start by being more mindful of what you’re eating and try to opt for whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you.
Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics. NCHS Data Brief No. 536 (Aug 2025).