Wait, yogurt is ultraprocessed?

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• Need a midday serotonin boost? I'm just gonna leave babygirl Harris Dickinson's Rhode campaign right here...

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Move over trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and BHA. Everyone is hyperfixated on “ultraprocessed foods.”

The 101: Scientists use something called the Nova classification system to rank foods into four categories — from unprocessed (like raw veggies) to ultraprocessed (hello, Hot Pockets). The latter generally refers to factory-made foods with added colors, preservatives, stabilizers, and sweeteners. Think: Wonder Bread, hot dogs, Diet Coke (sniffle).

The concern: Some studies have found ultraprocessed foods make up to 70% of the US food supply. These foods are linked to health problems like heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and a greater risk of early death — even when controlled for factors like income and race. 

The catch: Not all ultraprocessed foods are made equal. Canned beans? Technically processed. So are oat milks, most flavored yogurts, and fortified cereals — some of which don’t carry the same risks as foods packed with sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. Scientists still don’t agree on a universal definition of "ultraprocessed" — or which processes are truly harmful. The FDA is planning to weigh in soon.

The bottom line: Cutting out ultraprocessed foods just isn’t that simple –– especially when considering the extra budget and meal-prep time you need to set aside.

For Your Sanity:

• Aim for more real stuff. Apples > apple chips. Eggs > egg bites. This site can help you make informed choices on your next grocery run. 

• Ultraprocessed can have a spot in your fridge. Just ask this former NIH scientist with a freezer full of nuggets.

• Talk with a pro. If food rules are stressing you out, consider a registered dietician (many take insurance). They can offer perspective and a plan that works for you, before any habits tip toward orthorexia.

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