Many Americans are confused about which processed foods are harmful and which may actually support better health, according to new research published July 8 in JAMA Network Open.
The online survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, asked more than 2,100 U.S. adults about their understanding of processed foods and chronic disease risk. Nearly 40% of respondents said all processed foods are unhealthy. When asked what foods increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, 51% incorrectly blamed sugar, while others named desserts (19%) or carbohydrates in general (7%).
In reality, research shows that certain processed foods, especially processed meats like bacon, bologna and hot dogs, are linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. But some plant-based processed foods, including breakfast cereals, canned vegetables and muesli, are actually associated with better health outcomes.
“Foods considered ‘ultra-processed’ can reduce diabetes risk or increase it, depending on which ones they are,” said Dr. Neal Barnard, lead author of the study and president of the Physicians Committee. “Studies show it’s processed meat consumption that is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, not plant-based ultra-processed foods, such as breakfast cereals, which are actually associated with reduced risk of these conditions.”
The new findings come as the Food and Drug Administration prepares to solicit input on how to define ultra-processed foods, a definition that could shape the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and influence programs like the National School Lunch Program.
“It is important that a federal definition of ultra-processed foods reflect scientific evidence and avoids aggravating public confusion,” Barnard said. “Science shows that ultra-processed foods differ greatly: Certain ones are associated with health problems while others are associated with reduced risk.”
One Harvard study cited by the researchers found that frequent consumption of processed meats increased the risk of diabetes by 44%, while consumption of ultra-processed breakfast cereals lowered the risk by 22%. Other studies have linked moderate intake of muesli and bran cereals with reduced mortality from heart disease and cancer.
Animal products remain the primary source of saturated fat in the American diet, which can impair insulin sensitivity in as little as four weeks, even without weight gain.
“The vague term ‘processed foods’ should be replaced by more specific terms describing foods’ known health effects,” Barnard said. “Some plant-based foods that are considered processed, such as cereal and canned vegetables and fruit, are actually what Americans need to fight chronic lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
The study was conducted Dec. 13-15, 2024, and involved a nationally representative sample of 2,174 U.S. adults. No funding sources were disclosed in the published article, and no financial support was mentioned in the accompanying press release.