Original PromptAmericans Consume More Than Half of Their Calories from Ultra-Processed Foods: CDC
Children consumed more calories from ultra-processed foods than adults.
Source: Mary Kekatos, ABCNews.com, August 6, 2025
Adults and children in the United States are getting more than 50% of their total calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a new federal report released early Thursday.
Among Americans aged 1 and older, an average of 55% of their total calories came from ultra-processed foods, accordi...
This resource explores ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defining them and differentiating them from whole foods. It outlines consumption trends among children and adults, providing data on the percentage of daily calorie intake from these foods. The document includes recent trends showcasing a decline in UPF consumption due to public health campaigns, while linking UPFs to chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, it introduces the CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) framework for building arguments, encouraging students to critically assess the effects of UPFs and propose healthier alternatives in their schools.