How healthy are ‘good-for-you’ ultra-processed foods?

Not all ultra-processed foods are bad for you. But if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s still probably better to opt for nutritious minimally processed foods over protein bars and high-fiber breakfast cereals, according to a new study.

The study, published Monday in Nature Medicine, builds on a growing body of research investigating ultra-processed foods, which make up more than half the daily calories consumed by people in the U.K. and the U.S. The rise of the Make America Healthy Again movement has put a spotlight on how ultra-processed foods affect health, and the related question of what dietary changes might help improve rates of chronic disease — though so far the movement’s leaders have largely focused on what nutrition experts say are incremental changes like getting rid of synthetic dyes.

In this study, researchers set out to compare the results of two diets that each followed the U.K.’s nutritional guidelines, giving people their recommended servings of protein, fiber, and fruits and vegetables. But one diet was ultra-processed — think premade lasagna for dinner — while the other featured food prepared by an independent caterer, like spaghetti bolognese. The 50 study participants who completed the trial followed one diet for eight weeks, took a four-week break, and then switched to the other diet for another eight weeks. 

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