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ARS Home » Plains Area » Grand Forks, North Dakota » Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center » Healthy Body Weight Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #427189
Research Project: Approaches to Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines Adherence

Location: Healthy Body Weight Research

Title: Methodological challenges with the ultra-processed food designation

Author
item Hess, Julie

Submitted to: Webinar
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/8/2025
Publication Date: 12/8/2025
Citation: Hess, J.M. 2025. Methodological challenges with the ultra-processed food designation [webinar]. National Association of Research Nutrition. December 8, 2025.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on health is one of the topics that the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Scientific Advisory Committee investigated, concluding that limited evidence supported an impact of UPFs on health at this time. The UPF concept has gained a lot of traction in nutrition science. Yet, all UPF research remains hampered by the lack of a precise usable definition of UPFs. This presentation discusses the methodology used by scientists at the GFHNRC to apply the Nova classification system and group foods by “processing.” It also covers research findings, including that nutrient-dense foods recommended by U.S. federal dietary guidance can be UPFs. In addition, this presentation showcases new research on how UPFs defined by Nova may provide cost savings and increased shelf stability compared to their less processed but equally nutritious alternatives. Overall, this presentation provides an overview of how UPF designations are determined and used in research.