Misleading narrative of “healthy” ultraprocessed foods

Transnational food corporations are increasingly expanding portfolios of “better for you,” “fortified,” and “functional” ultraprocessed foods—from high protein snacks and vitamin enriched drinks to plant based burgers. Framed within narratives of “nutrition security” and “sustainable innovation,”1 these products are promoted as solutions to the nutrient deficiencies and diet related diseases. In practice, however, they allow the ultraprocessed food industry to appear part of the solution while undermining front-of-pack labelling, marketing restrictions, and fiscal measures.234 Their proposition is underpinned by scientific models that privilege nutrients and foods over dietary patterns. Focusing on “healthy” ultraprocessed foods represents a scientific and policy setback that fragments a simple, evidence based message that should guide communication and policies— that is, avoid the displacement of long established diets based on fresh and minimally processed foods and cooked meals by ultraprocessed foods.Limits of nutrient based thinkingEpidemiological studies on individual nutrients and food groups have advanced our understanding…