The new research reveals that all ultra-transformed foods are not bad

Certain ultra processed foods can provide health benefits, especially when considered in the food context. Experts urge a smarter system to guide food choices.

New research by Swinburne question the longtime belief that ultra-transformed foods are all bad for you.

While snacks and carbonated drinks have constantly bad health results, products like whole grain cereals and certain dairy products contain neutral or potentially beneficial effects.

The author of the Swinburne study Leader discipline of the associate professor of dietetics Jimmy Louie, says that the question “are bad foods bad?” Requires a more nuanced response than a simple yes or no.

“The titles give the impression that all ultra-adjustment foods are bad, but the truth is more complicated. Some can offer real nutritional value and adapt comfortably in a healthy diet. This type of simplification outside can mislead the public misleading the public and distracting the most pressing food risks.”

The Associate Professor Louie explains that the implications on food health depend on the context of their consumption in global food models.

“Ultra-transformed products often provide profitable sources of essential nutrients for economically disadvantaged populations and can contribute to a reduction in food waste thanks to extended conservation duration capacities.”

“Not everyone can live only on processed foods at least.

Rethink the Nova system

The study examined the Nova system, which classifies food in four groups according to their level of transformation, fresh items or at least ultra-treated products. The widely used system is controversial due to the way it defines and labeling foods from ultra-transformed foods.

The Associate Professor Louie calls for a system that examines both transformation and nutrition, so that people get clearer and fair advice.

“Although the classification of food based on transformation has made precious contributions to our understanding of health, it fails to grasp important distinctions of nutritional quality, transformation methods and health implications.

“People deserve advice that makes this distinction. The evidence shows that we can be smarter about the processed foods that we avoid and what we keep. ”

Reference: “Are all ultra-adjusted foods bad?” A critical examination of the Nova classification system “by Jimmy Chun Yu Louie, August 4, 2025, Proceedings of nutritional society.
DOI: 10.1017 / S0029665125100645

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