Staggering Ultraprocessed Food Data

From eNewsletter 10/19/2026

DID YOU KNOW that US packaged food companies could prevent around 150,000 diet-related deaths annually by ⁠moving sales towards healthier products in sectors including baked goods, savory snacks, cookies and ⁠candy, according to a study from the global nonprofits ShareAction and ATNi?

Companies moving sales towards the healthiest half of products within each food category could substantially reduce healthcare costs and also prevent approximately $11.6 billion in lost pay due to diet-related ill health.

The study noted that healthier options already exist across these sectors, meaning that many benefits could be achieved through portfolio shifts and product reformulation.

What's even worse? According to a study from Nutrients, 71% of 651 baby foods from major U.S. retailers qualify as ultra-processed, containing additives primarily used for flavor, color, and texture. Every single baby cereal and starch product studied was ultra-processed, with some items containing up to 56 separate ingredients.

To read the rest of today's issue, please go to this page.