A new CDC report highlights the alarming fact that a majority of Americans are consuming more than half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods.
Story Snapshot
- CDC reports Americans get 55% of calories from ultra-processed foods.
- Youth consume nearly 62% of their calories from such foods.
- Health risks include cardiovascular disease and increased mortality.
- Calls for regulation and clearer labeling of ultra-processed foods.
CDC Findings on Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report revealing that between August 2021 and August 2023, Americans aged 1 and older consumed an average of 55% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods. This trend is even more pronounced among youth aged 1–18, who consume 61.9% of their calories from these foods. The primary sources of these calories include sandwiches, sweet bakery products, savory snacks, pizza, and sweetened beverages.
Americans on average get more than half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a new CDC report. Dr. @celinegounder has more. https://t.co/1TaHKBs47G pic.twitter.com/TmJ8kE4ztc
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 7, 2025
The report indicates that although there is a slight decline in ultra-processed food consumption compared to previous years, the levels remain alarmingly high. The CDC highlights the associated health risks, such as cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, which are significantly linked to high intake of these foods. This underscores the urgent need for public health interventions and policy changes to address the issue.
Demographic Disparities and Health Risks
The data from the CDC report also reveals significant demographic disparities in ultra-processed food consumption. It is particularly high among youth and low-income populations due to the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of these foods in their communities. This situation exacerbates existing health disparities and poses a substantial public health challenge.
Experts warn that the continuous high intake of ultra-processed foods can lead to a rise in chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, thereby increasing healthcare costs and reducing life expectancy. These findings have prompted calls from public health advocates for stricter regulations, clearer food labeling, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing the consumption of such foods.
Watch: Americans getting 55% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, CDC data shows
Policy Implications and Future Directions
In response to these findings, regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are seeking public input to develop a standardized definition of “ultra-processed foods” to better regulate and label these products. This move is seen as a crucial step in combating the negative health impacts associated with these foods.
The ongoing discussions and potential policy changes reflect a growing consensus on the need to address the dietary habits of Americans. By implementing effective strategies and regulations, there is hope to reverse the trend of high ultra-processed food consumption and improve the nation’s overall health and well-being.
Sources:
CBS News
AJMC
CDC Data Brief No. 536
CDC Stacks
