LONDON: A new study has found that consumers may be missing out on healthy options due to foods being ultra-processed (UPF).
In a study conducted at University College London, researchers examined nearly 3,000 different foods and compared their ingredients to the information on their packets, showing that not all ultra-processed foods contain unhealthy ingredients. .
These packets were tested by traffic light labelling, packets with a red light indicating that the food was high in fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt. More than half of the foods in the inspection did not have a red light.
The most common ultra-processed foods without red light included sandwiches, high-fiber cereals, plant-based milk alternatives, milkshakes and white bread.
According to the traffic light stem, meatless foods are also healthier, and despite being ultra-processed, green lights for fat, saturated fat and sugar, and orange lights for salt, were evident, the authors said.
The link between ultra-processed foods and poor health is cause for concern, according to Bridget Benelm, a nutritionist from the British Nutrition Foundation. People need clear instructions to eat healthy and make it easier.
