Ultra-processed foods and veganism: what are the facts?

Vegan foods have faced recent media scrutiny in the debate over ‘ultra-processed’ foods, and a study published in The Lancet on 10 June looking at the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with different types of plant-based foods has led to a new wave of headlines on this topic. But what does the evidence actually say, and what does it mean for vegan diets?

Many foods are processed to release edible parts or to improve their shelf life, for example by chopping, drying, freezing or canning. Processing may also include more advanced methods such as fortification to increase the nutritional value of foods, and many family staples such as breakfast cereals and breads have added micronutrients.

Ultra-processed foods are made using industrial techniques. This group consists of a wide range of different foods,including packaged breads, breakfast cereals, biscuits, sweets, fizzy drinks, flavoured yogurts, pre-made sandwiches, crisps, processed meat and plant-based meat alternatives.

During processing, some foods may have salt, sugar or saturated fat added or be stripped of fibre. It is these nutritional properties that make some ultra-processed foods a higher concern.

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