Ultra-processed food intake is associated with low diet quality in young adult college students

<b>Objective:</b> Examine associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and diet quality (DQ) in college students. <b>Participants:</b> Analysis included 695 participants ages 18-39 years. <b>Methods</b>: Dietary data were collected using the online Diet History Questionnaires II and III. The Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020) adult score assessed DQ. NOVA classification was used to identify UPFs. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between %EI from UPF and HEI-2020 total and component scores, controlling for gender, race, smoking, campus meal plan, and EI. <b>Results</b>: Mean age was 19.2 years. In fully adjusted models a statistically significant inverse association was found between %EI from UPF and HEI-2020 total scores (<i>F</i> = 40.72, <i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>R</i>²=0.27), all HEI adequacy scores except whole grains (not significant) and dairy (weak positive association), and for saturated fat, refined grains, and sodium scores. <b>Conclusions</b>: Addressing UPF intake in young adult college students could be a potential strategy to improve DQ.