Ultra-Processed Foods Make Up 55% of U.S. Calorie Intake

More than half of the calories consumed by Americans come from ultra-processed foods, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These foods are typically high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, and are often linked to obesity and chronic illness.

The findings are based on national dietary data collected between August 2021 and August 2023 and mark the first time the CDC has confirmed the scale of the consumption of this foods across all age groups.

Children and Teens Consume the Most Ultra-Processed Calories

The CDC report shows that about 55% of total calories for Americans age 1 and older come from this foods. For children and teens up to age 18, that number jumps to nearly 62%. In adults, the rate is approximately 53%.

Top sources include:

  • Sweetened drinks

  • Pizza

  • Burgers and sandwiches

  • Sweet baked goods

  • Savory snacks like chips and crackers

Young children consumed fewer ultra-processed calories than teens, while adults over 60 consumed the least. The report also found that low-income adults consume more ultra-processed foods than higher-income groups.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Targets Ultra-Processed Foods

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has placed blame for rising chronic disease on ultra-processed foods. In a recent Fox News interview, he warned, “We are poisoning ourselves and it’s coming principally from these ultra-processed foods.”

Slight Decline in Consumption Over Time

Surprisingly, the CDC found a slight decrease in the consumption of this foods over the past decade. In 2013–2014, adults got about 56% of their calories from these foods. For kids, the number was nearly 66% in 2017–2018.

Anne Williams, a co-author of the report and CDC nutrition expert, said the reason for this dip is unclear. However, outside experts suggest that public awareness may be starting to shift habits.

“I think people are trying, at least in some populations, to decrease their intakes of these foods,” said Andrea Deierlein, a nutrition expert at New York University.

Health Risks and Scientific Findings

Many studies link ultra-processed foods to:

  • Obesity

  • Heart disease

  • Type 2 diabetes

One clinical trial published in Nature found that participants eating minimally processed foods — like pasta, chicken, fruits, and vegetables — lost twice as much weight as those eating ultra-processed meals with similar nutrient profiles.

Even when matched for calories and nutrition, ultra-processed foods often cause people to eat more and gain weight.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

The CDC used the Nova classification system, developed by Brazilian researchers. It defines ultra-processed foods as:

  • Hyper-palatable

  • Energy-dense

  • Low in dietary fiber

  • Containing few or no whole foods

  • High in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats

Despite the system’s wide use, U.S. health agencies say current definitions may be too broad or inconsistent. The FDA and USDA have requested public input to help create a new national standard for defining and labeling this foods.

How to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods at Home

Deierlein advises Americans to make small, conscious swaps:

  • Use plain oats with honey instead of flavored instant oatmeal

  • Read ingredient labels carefully

  • Choose fresh or minimally processed options whenever possible

“There are less-processed options available for many foods,” she said.