August 13, 2025 — Ultra-processed foods still make up over half the calories consumed by Americans, even as the rates have declined in recent years, according to a report published this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Between August 2021 and August 2023, ultra-processed foods accounted for 55 percent of calories consumed on average by Americans aged 1 year and older, according to the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
This percentage increased among younger groups, with children ages 1 to 18 getting 61.9 percent of their calories from ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed food intake was highest among children aged 6 to 11, at 64.8 percent of calories consumed.
The report relies on the so-called NOVA classification of ultra-processed foods, used for industrial formulations of processed items that “typically contain unnatural additives,” like dyes. Sandwiches were the top caloric contributor among both adults and youth. Sweet bakery items, savory snacks, and sweetened beverages were other top foods.
While the consumption rate remains high, the report shows a slight decline from 2017–2018, when the average calories coming from ultra-processed foods was 65.6 percent among youth and 55.8 percent in adults.
The report comes as the Trump administration and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement has made ultra-processed foods a focus. Recently, several agencies solicited public comment to define these foods, which has long been a challenge because some argue that not all of them are unhealthy.
For example, the American Heart Association released an advisory last week encouraging reduced consumption of foods currently defined as ultra-processed. But the group acknowledged that some, like whole grains and some dairy products, have nutritional benefits.
Ultra-processed foods are also expected to play a significant role in the upcoming second MAHA Commission report, which was expected by Aug. 12 but has yet to be released. Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement that the commission would release it after coordinating commission members’ schedules.
In the meantime, former FDA Commissioner David Kessler is testing the administration’s willingness to act on ultra-processed foods. He filed a citizens’ petition last week arguing the agency has the science and authority to determine popular ingredients in ultra-processed foods are not “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).
The petition gives the administration 180 days to respond. If the FDA does revoke GRAS status for certain ingredients, like some refined flours and refined sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup, food manufacturers would be required to pull products that contain them.
While Kennedy has repeatedly raised concerns about ultra-processed foods, taking this action would put the administration at odds with some food and farm groups.
Marion Nestle, a professor emerita at New York University and long-time nutrition expert, called Kessler’s petition “brilliant.”
“He’s given RFK Jr. either a tool or a challenge,” Nestle said. (Link to this post.)
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