Tackling ultra-processed food for a healthier and just food system

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become central to the European public health debate due to their increased (over)consumption and the health problems linked to it. The consumption of UPFs varies significantly across the European region. While it averages 27% of total daily energy intake across Europe, this fluctuates from 14% in Italy and Romania to 44% in the UK and Sweden.

This problem does not affect everyone equally due to the social gradient in the overconsumption of UPF. Younger generations, people with lower socioeconomic status, and people in urban areas generally consume more. Differences also emerge across regions and race/ethnicity. Clearly, there are significant public health inequalities associated with UPF consumption, which require targeted policy actions.

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