Ultra-processed foods
Source: BNP Paribas validated by the Rouen University Hospital
Did you know?
70% of the packaged products available in supermarkets are ultra-processed foods. Sweeter, saltier, fattier, containing fewer vitamins and fibre than raw products (without processing), they can promote food compulsions (easy to eat, cheaper, often packaged in large quantities, sometimes developed to be more “appetizing” and therefore tasty to the palate). This can lead to a disruption of the gut microbiota, metabolism, and therefore in the long term the risk of overweight, obesity, depression, and serious diseases such as cancer.
Degree of processing of a food
The NOVA classification is used to determine the degree of processing of a food.
- Group 1: Fresh or minimally processed foods : Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Egg. Raw meat or fish. Rice. Pasta. Dried legumes…
- Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients : Oils, vinegars, salt, sugar, etc.
- Group 3: Processed foods : Canned vegetables and legumes. Processed meat and fish. Bread. Cheese…
- Group 4: Ultra-processed foods : Biscuits, sweet and savoury snacks, ice creams, ready meals, bread, breakfast cereals, soft drinks, sweets…
Three steps forward
- Read the labels of your favourite products and try to favour groups 1 to 3. If a product contains more than five ingredients, or has a list of ingredients that you don’t know (additives, colorings, etc.), it is an ultra-processed food.
- Try incorporating new Group 1 foods into your diet, such as a new seasonal fruit or vegetable each week.
- Occasionally eat group 4 foods and test recipes for homemade versions of store-bought products (see our recipes section).
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