Ultra-processed and processed foods are widely discussed, yet the meanings of these terms often feel unclear to many.
What exactly are ultra-processed foods? Why is food processed? Should ultra-processed foods be avoided? We’ve compiled key questions and answers to make the topic easier to approach and understand.
What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)?
In everyday language, ultra-processed food usually refers to highly industrially processed products that cannot be made at home. The term is based on the NOVA classification developed at a university in São Paolo, Brazil, which divides foods into four categories based on the level of industrial processing. According to the NOVA classification, ultra-processed foods contain little to no of the original ingredients after processing. However, there is no universally accepted definition of ultra-processed food, and researchers have also criticized the NOVA classification for its unclear criteria.
The negative reputation of ultra-processed foods partly stems from their often poor nutritional value, including high levels of saturated fat, salt, and sugar. However, processing can also improve food qualities, such as texture, shelf life, and nutritional content, by reducing fat, salt, and sugar, or by adding vitamins and minerals.
What is the difference between ultra-processed and processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods are typically highly refined products that cannot be made at home. They include ingredients that consumers cannot purchase in a grocery store. These ingredients are used to improve texture, shelf life, and flavor, often resulting in long ingredient lists.
Why is food processed?
Processing is the act of turning raw ingredients into food. This includes methods like cooking, freezing, preserving, and pasteurizing. Processing can therefore enhance food properties, improve texture, reduce harmful ingredients, or enrich foods with vitamins and minerals. It also ensures foods are safe, nutritious, tasty, affordable, and convenient, while extending shelf life.
What is Oddlygood’s approach to food processing?
Oddlygood products are plant-based and made from high-quality, familiar ingredients such as oats, soy, berries, and fruits. Industrial processing is used to ensure consistent flavor, safety, and ready-to-use convenience.
We process foods to bring out the best qualities of the ingredients. For example, oats from the field can be processed into delicious and smooth gurts, snacks, and drinks.
We may use additives to achieve the desired texture and functional properties of the product, but we aim to minimize their use and continuously search for alternative options. Processing also allows us to add essential vitamins and nutrients, such as calcium and iodine, which are often obtained from milk and dairy products. Plant-based products don’t contain enough of them without fortification, so adding vitamins and minerals is an integral part of producing plant-based products.
Making choices in a world of ultra-processed foods
We understand that navigating processed and ultra-processed foods can be challenging. Rather than judging individual choices, we encourage everyone to make decisions that suit their needs. Our goal is to create products suitable for a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
If you want to avoid ultra-processed foods, a good first step is to check the label and ingredient list. The longer the list and the more unfamiliar ingredients it contains, the more likely it is to be ultra-processed.
However, the degree of processing alone does not determine nutritional quality. For instance, a soygurt high in protein and calcium is still processed. Rather than following rigid standards, choose products that fit your diet and daily life.
From perfection to balance
Ultimately, food choices are all about balance, not perfection. Processing can make food safer, more nutritious, and more enjoyable. At Oddlygood, we believe that good food comes from combining quality, taste, and nutrition.
If you have any questions, please contact us at media@oddlygood.com.