what are processed foods

Processed foods are any foods that have been altered in some way during preparation. Food processing can be as basic as freezing, canning, cooking, or drying, and it can also include adding preservatives, nutrients, flavors, salts, sugars, or fats. Examples of common processed foods include breakfast cereals, cheese, tinned vegetables, bread, savoury snacks, meat products, microwave meals or ready meals, cakes, biscuits, and drinks such as milk or soft drinks. Not all processed foods are unhealthy, but some may contain high levels of salt, sugar, and fat. The NOVA food classification groups food into four groups based on the degree of processing: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods. While minimally processed foods like low-fat milk, whole-grain or wheat bread, precut vegetables, and fresh-cut fruits have a place in healthy diets, ultra-processed foods have been criticized for promoting overnutrition and obesity, containing too much sugar and salt, too little fiber, and otherwise being unhealthful in respect to dietary needs of humans and farm animals.