“Food faddists and pseudoscientists!”: Reflections on the history of resistance to ultra-processed foods

The term 'ultra-processed food' emerged in the 1980s, mostly used in reference to highly-processed convenience foods and snacks, often energy-dense, poor in nutrients, and inclusive of various synthetic additives such as emulsifiers, colors, artificial sweeteners, and/or flavor enhancers.

Citation:
Logan AC, D'Adamo CR, Pizzorno JE, Prescott SL. “Food faddists and pseudoscientists!”: Reflections on the history of resistance to ultra-processed foods. Explor. 2024;20(4):470-476

Keywords:
Commercial determinants of health; Dietary excitotoxins; Environmental health; Integrative medicine; Mental health; Public health; Social justice; Ultra-processed foods

Abstract:
The term 'ultra-processed food' emerged in the 1980s, mostly used in reference to highly-processed convenience foods and snacks, often energy-dense, poor in nutrients, and inclusive of various synthetic additives such as emulsifiers, colors, artificial sweeteners, and/or flavor enhancers.