Why Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t Quite the New Cocaine

Ultra-processed foods have become a primary scapegoat for nearly every conceivable health problem. When researchers cannot explain the cause or increased risk of a disease, they often cite observational studies linking these products to adverse outcomes. This concern is partly justified: beyond their processing, many ultra-processed foods are calorie-dense, hyperpalatable, and often modified in texture, which can accelerate consumption by increasing the number of bites per minute.