The CDC reports that Americans consume over half of their daily food intake from ultra-processed foods, which are often high in sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. This shift, driven by societal changes, convenience, and aggressive marketing, accelerates processed food and obesity trends and influences consumer choices as well as product development in the food industry. Analysing these consumption patterns helps policymakers, healthcare providers, and business leaders develop healthier dietary choices, improved food product development, and innovative, nutritious products.
CDC: Americans Get More than Half of Calories from Ultra-Processed Foods
Introduction:
The CDC reports that Americans consume over half of their daily food intake from ultra-processed foods, which are often high in sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. This shift, driven by societal changes, convenience, and aggressive marketing, accelerates processed food and obesity trends and influences consumer choices as well as product development in the food industry. Analysing these consumption patterns helps policymakers, healthcare providers, and business leaders develop healthier dietary choices, improved food product development, and innovative, nutritious products.
About the CDC:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a U.S. government agency focused on protecting public health and promoting well-being. (Note: CDC can also refer to Change Data Capture, a technology used to track real-time changes in databases, but in this context, it represents the public health agency.)
The CDC’s research on processed food and obesity trends helps guide nutritional recommendations and public awareness programs, influencing how food manufacturers approach food formulation and development for healthier alternatives. [1]
CDC finding on Ultra processed food consumptions:
The CDC reports that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) constitute a major part of American food consumption especially health outcomes and their food insecurity situation become more severe which exacerbates existing health inequalities. These foods have a direct link to growing processed food and obesity trends.
Findings on Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up a large portion of American diets, especially among children, contributing to obesity and cardiovascular disease.
- Teenagers consume over 60% of their daily calories from UPFs, while adults consume more than 50%.
Common examples: The list of ultra-processed foods includes sugar-sweetened beverages and packaged snacks and processed meats and ready-to-eat meals. And, health impacts like Obesity, increased BMI value, cardiovascular diseases, and change in the lifestyle, Diet quality.
Surveys based on the year between 2013-2014 and 2017-2018:[2]
Category | % of Calories from UPFs | Notes / Observations |
Overall (age 1+) | 55% | Aug 2021–Aug 2023, NHANES data |
Youth (1–18 years) | 61.9% | Higher than adults |
– Children (6–11 years) | 64.8% | Highest UPF consumption among youth |
– Youth (12–18 years) | 63% | Slightly lower than 6–11 age group |
Adults (19+) | 53% | Average across all adults |
– Ages 19–39 | 54.4% | Younger adults consume slightly more |
– Ages 40–59 | 52.6% | Moderate consumption |
– Ages 60+ | 51.7% | Lowest among adults |
Income – High (≥350% FPL) | ~50% | Lowest UPF consumption |
Income – Medium (130–349% FPL) | 55.3% | Higher than high-income group |
Income – Low (<130% FPL) | 54.7% | Slightly lower than medium-income group |
Trend Over Time | Decrease observed | Compared to 2013–2014 and 2017–2018 surveys |
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES):
- The average percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods which people aged 1 year and older consumed during August 2021–August 2023 reached 55.0%.
- The consumption of ultra-processed foods by youth between 1 and 18 years old exceeded that of adults aged 19 and above since they consumed 61.9% of their calories from these foods.
- The highest family income group showed the lowest percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods among adult consumers.
- The top five sources of ultra-processed food calories among youth and adults included sandwiches and burgers and sweet bakery items and savoury snacks and sweetened beverages.[3]
- Adults showed a decrease in their average ultra-processed food calorie consumption between 2013–2014 and August 2021–August 2023.
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The mean percentage of total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods during August 2021–August 2023, and were differences observed by sex and age?
Study about the Ultra processed foods:
Category | Details / Statistics | Notes / Observations |
Overall UPF Consumption (age 1+) | 55% of total calories | NHANES 2021–2023 |
Youth (1–18 years) | 61.9% | Higher than adults |
Adults (19+ years) | 53% | Slightly lower than youth |
Income Impact – Adults | Lower UPF intake among highest-income adults | Income did not affect children’s UPF intake |
Top Caloric Sources of UPFs | Sandwiches (including burgers), sweet bakery products, savoury snacks, sweetened beverages | Major contributors for both youth and adults |
Trends Over Time (2017–2018 → 2021–2023) | Youth: 65.6% → 61.9%; Adults: 55.8% → 53% | Shows modest decline in UPF consumption |
Nutritional Characteristics of UPFs | Hyperpalatable, energy-dense, low in dietary fibre, little/no whole foods; high in salt, sweeteners, unhealthy fats | Associated with cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality |
Dietary Recommendations | Limit ultra-processed foods; eat a variety of whole foods | As per Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 |
The percentage of calories consumed from ultra-processed foods differ by age among youth and adults?
Which ultra-processed food groups were the top sources of calories among youth and adults?
Public Health and Industry Implications
These findings emphasize the importance of food product innovation and reformulation to support healthier eating patterns. The food sector must focus on food formulation and development that minimizes additives and maximizes nutrient density.
By understanding processed food and obesity trends, product development in the food industry can evolve to meet the growing demand for clean label, balanced, and convenient options without compromising taste or shelf life.
Product Examples:
Brand Name: Kellogg’s
Product Name: Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry
Product Category: Ultra-Processed Breakfast Snack
Conclusion:
The CDC report indicates that Americans consume over half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, with children and teenagers being the most affected. Consumption decreases as people age, but higher-income adults show slightly lower rates. The main sources of ultra-processed foods are sandwiches, sweet baked goods, savoury snacks, and sweetened beverages. The public health community recommends reducing whole food consumption to reduce obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases.
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APA References
- Nutraceuticals World. (2025, August 7). CDC: Americans get more than half of calories from ultra-processed foods. Nutraceuticals World. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/breaking-news/cdc-americans-get-more-than-half-of-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods/
- AgFunder News. (2025, August 6). CDC research finds that more than half of all calories consumed by Americans are ultra-processed foods. AgFunder News. https://agfundernews.com/cdc-research-finds-that-more-than-half-of-all-calories-consumed-by-americans-are-upfs
- Williams, A. M., et al. (2025, August). Ultra-processed food consumption among U.S. youth and adults, 2017-2018 (NCHS Data Brief No. 536). National Center for Health Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db536.htm#ref1
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