Ultra-Processed Foods Dominate U.S. Grocery Carts, Raising Health Concerns: Study Shows
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Nearly half of all grocery purchases in the U.S. are ultra-processed foods (UPFs), raising alarms among public health experts. A new study published in Public Health Nutrition analyzed over 33 million food items bought by 59,939 American households in 2020, using the NOVA classification system to assess levels of food processing.
The research found that 48% of packaged food and 38% of beverages were UPFs—foods heavily engineered with additives and ingredients rarely used in home cooking. These included soft drinks, snacks, mixed dishes, and soups. While whole foods like fruits and vegetables had minimal UPFs, they made up only a small share (12%) of overall purchases.
Purchases of UPFs were highest among non-Hispanic white households (49%), followed by Black (47%), Hispanic (46%), and other ethnic groups (43%). Households with lower income and lower education levels also bought more UPFs, regardless of race. This suggests persistent socioeconomic and racial disparities in diet quality.
“Carbonated beverages topped the list for UPF content at 90%, followed by soups and mixed dishes (81%), and snacks and sweets (71%).” Meanwhile, dairy beverages and fruit juices showed significant variation between racial groups.
Importantly, the study only captured in-home purchases, potentially underrepresenting beverage consumption—especially among non-Hispanic Black households, who may buy more sugary drinks outside the home.
The findings highlight the pervasive role of UPFs in American diets and point to the need for federal policy action. Unlike countries that have begun regulating food processing and marketing, the U.S. lacks nationwide measures to limit UPF consumption.
Researchers urge stronger policies to reduce UPF intake and promote healthier diets, especially in vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by chronic diseases linked to ultra-processed foods.
Reference: Exploring disparities in the proportion of ultra-processed foods and beverages purchased in grocery stores by US households in 2020. Dunford, E.K., Miles, D.R., Popkin, B.M. Public Health Nutrition (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S1368980025000606, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/exploring-disparities-in-the-proportion-of-ultraprocessed-foods-and-beverages-purchased-in-grocery-stores-by-us-households-in-2020/845F4FA3CCBAEC37A3CA9124AE0538AD
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