Researchers in Brazil defined ultra-processed foods by establishing the NOVA classification system, which includes four different food groups: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Minimally processed and natural foods:<\/strong> Typically, these include whole fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, meat, rice and grains, fresh or dried fruit, leafy greens, plain yogurt, milk, pasta, granola (with no additives, sweetener or salt) and couscous. Foods that can be \u2018processed\u2019 at home are also included \u2013 for example, dried, crushed, ground, steamed or boiled.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Culinary ingredients:<\/strong> Ingredients obtained from group 1 foods or from nature and industrial processes such as pressing, refining and extracting \u2013 such as salt, oils, butter and sugar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Processed foods: <\/strong>Products made by adding salt, oil, sugar or other culinary (group 2) ingredients \u2013 for example, canned or bottled vegetables in brine, tinned fruit in juice, salted nuts, salted, dried, cured or smoked meats, canned fish and fresh, unpackaged bread and cheese. These processes aim to increase the shelf life of foods and make them\u00a0more enjoyable. The products may contain additives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Ultra-processed foods:<\/strong> These products contain long lists of ingredients, many of which won\u2019t be found in your own kitchen \u2013 and they\u2019re made using \u2018industrial\u2019 processes that can\u2019t be replicated at home. Additives may be used to make foods more palatable or hyper-palatable (even more pleasing to the taste buds). Examples include fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate, mass-produced packaged breads, margarines (and other spreads) and many pre-prepared, ready-to-heat products (such as pies, pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets\/sticks and burgers).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing which foods fit in which categories can be confusing, and there\u2019s often an element of personal judgement required. One of the easiest ways to tell if a food is ultra-processed is to look at the food label. Here are some examples: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Group 1 \u2013 a homemade loaf is considered a minimally processed food <\/p>\n\n\n\n Group 3 \u2013 a loaf bought in a bakery that contains just wheat, yeast and salt <\/p>\n\n\n\n Group 4 \u2013 a loaf of pre-sliced, mass-produced bread containing additives would fit into the ultra-processed category <\/p>\n\n\n\n Group 1 \u2013 fresh or frozen peas are minimally processed and considered natural foods <\/p>\n\n\n\n Group 3 \u2013 peas in a tin are deemed processed <\/p>\n\n\n\n Group 4 \u2013 mushy peas fall into the ultra-processed category <\/p>\n\n\n Ongoing research suggests that a high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with poor health, including obesity, cardio-metabolic risks, cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The headlines sound scary, but the research is still in the early stages and can\u2019t yet definitively conclude that ultra-processed foods are the direct cause of these health outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no denying that some ultra-processed foods (such as chocolate and crisps) are good for us to limit \u2013 not purely because they\u2019re ultra-processed, but because they\u2019re high in fat, sugar or both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of foods we consume nowadays are processed to some degree, often for important or beneficial reasons \u2013 eg where they\u2019re fortified to support nutrient intake for convenience, or to make them safer or simply edible. One of the key criticisms of the NOVA classification system is that it doesn\u2019t take the nutrition of the food into account. Although many foods in the ultra-processed category are high in fat, sugar or salt, some of them aren\u2019t \u2013 and they may even be considered good sources of nutrients like fibre or protein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the UK, some foods (such as bread and cereals) are also fortified with nutrients to help prevent deficiencies. Despite being processed or ultra-processed, these foods can be important nutrient sources for many people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the flood of research and press coverage, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) conducted a review of the evidence in July 2023 and concluded that although the research is worrying, the evidence isn\u2019t currently strong enough to make any changes to dietary recommendations in the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Slimming World\u2019s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, is carefully designed to support our health and weight \u2013 it\u2019s the whole basis (nutritionally and scientifically) of how we designate foods as Free Food, Healthy Extras or Syns. Many of the foods on our Free Food list are unprocessed \u2013 including fruit and vegetables, lean meats, fish, poultry, potatoes and eggs. Slimming World members are also encouraged to cook from scratch where they can, which means they\u2019re naturally limiting their intake of highly processed foods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While some of the foods on the Healthy Extras list (including Slimming World Hi-fi bars) may be classed as processed or ultra-processed, they\u2019ve been carefully selected for their nutritional benefits. They\u2019re also enjoyed in measured amounts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Foods that have a Syn value (such as crisps, chocolate and alcohol) are enjoyed in moderation on the Slimming World plan, helping to reduce the overall intake of energy-dense processed and ultra-processed foods. No food is banned \u2013 our plan is about choice and having the tools to make informed decisions, as well as support to build healthy habits and get the weight loss you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you join Slimming World, you\u2019ll get all the information you need to follow Food Optimising \u2013 including a full list of Free Foods and Healthy Extras \u2013 in the new member book. You can also use the Food Search tool and barcode scanner on the app to easily see how different foods fit into the plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our food range<\/a>, available in Iceland (or Dunnes Stores in the Republic of Ireland), has been developed to provide satisfying, filling, lower energy-dense alternatives to other ready meals. The meals are as close as possible to those you\u2019d make from scratch in your own kitchen. They don\u2019t have the typical added fats and sugars of other ready meals, and they contain plenty of nutritious, filling Free Foods. They\u2019re perfect for when you don\u2019t have time to cook from scratch and are a healthy alternative to a takeaway. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBread <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Peas <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhy are these foods in the news?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Slimming World and ultra-processed foods <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What about the Slimming World food range and Slimming World Kitchen?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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