Ultra processed foods consumption effects and industries initiatives for healthier food choices: A review

Ultra processed foods (UPFs) are dominating our food system and becoming staples across urban and rural settings, displacing traditional diets and whole foods. Increasing concern on these foods stems from their potential to promote addictive eating behaviors, hinder healthy weight management, and contribute to the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our aim is to conduct a review on the health impacts of UPFs and the various initiatives by food industries globally in producing 'healthier' UPFs. Evidence showed that high UPFs consumption was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, overall cardiovascular diseases, other NCDs and adverse outcomes in the newborn. Reduced nutritional intake of minerals and vitamins from UPFs results in unbalanced meals which leads to micronutrient deficiencies throughout life stages. These risks accumulate across time and generations. Food processing industry plays a crucial role in shaping modern diets. They are taking some steps such as reformulating products to reduce specific ingredients like sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and are also focusing on portion sizes and packaging. Reliance on processed food and its effects on health demand innovative food products that can preserve nutrient density, reduce food additives and metabolic health effects that substitute UPFs with minimally processed and fiber-rich food that is truly healthy for the entire population.