Many people are unfamiliar with what constitutes "ultra-processed" food.

Nearly half of those polled believe it primarily refers to fast food. While fast food is one example, it doesn’t encompass the entire category.

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods are those closest to their natural state, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, eggs, milk, and unprocessed meats.

Processed foods have undergone alterations that may diminish their nutritional value, like tortilla chips, whole wheat bread, and fruit juice.

Ultra-processed foods undergo extensive processing, often resulting in a lengthy list of ingredients. This category includes items like flavored chips, soda, energy drinks, and candy bars, which are typically recognized as junk food. However, it also includes less obvious items like white bread, flavored yogurt, and sugary breakfast cereal.

A straightforward way to identify ultra-processed foods is by examining their ingredients. If the list is lengthy and contains unfamiliar names, it’s likely an ultra-processed product.