Ultra-processed Foods You Thought Were Health Foods
Don't Tell RFK
RFK is on the war path over “ultra-processed” foods. He blames them for all sorts of ailments. I was at the gym the other day when a guy chomping an a protein bar told I should stop eating “ultra-processed” foods. So I went out to dinner, had a gluten free veggie burger and did a little research. Here are a few “ultra-processed” foods you may not have appreciated.
Here are several ultra-processed foods that are commonly marketed as health foods, despite being high in additives, refined ingredients, and lacking whole-food integrity:
🥣 Ultra-Processed "Health" Foods
1. Protein Bars & Shakes
Marketing: “High protein,” “keto-friendly,” “low-carb”
Why ultra-processed: Often contain artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose), protein isolates, emulsifiers, and synthetic vitamins.
Examples: Quest Bars, Premier Protein shakes, Atkins bars
2. Plant-Based Meats
Marketing: “Vegan,” “sustainable,” “heart-healthy”
Why ultra-processed: Made with isolates (pea, soy), methylcellulose, flavorings, colorings
Examples: Beyond Burger, Impossible Burger
3. Flavored Greek Yogurt
Marketing: “Probiotic,” “low-fat,” “immune support”
Why ultra-processed: High sugar content, artificial fruit flavoring, thickeners like modified starch or gelatin
Examples: Yoplait Light, Dannon Light & Fit
4. Breakfast Cereals
Marketing: “Whole grain,” “vitamin fortified,” “for heart health”
Why ultra-processed: Made from puffed or extruded grains, added sugars, synthetic vitamins
Examples: Cheerios Protein, Special K, Kashi GoLean
5. Granola & Granola Bars
Marketing: “Natural,” “fiber-rich,” “organic”
Why ultra-processed: High in sugars or syrups, added oils, preservatives, chocolate chips
Examples: Nature Valley, KIND Bars, Clif Bars
6. Gluten-Free Packaged Snacks
Marketing: “Gluten-free,” “gut-friendly,” “clean eating”
Why ultra-processed: Use of refined rice flour, tapioca starch, gums, emulsifiers
Examples: Glutino cookies, Simple Mills crackers
7. Meal Replacement Powders
Marketing: “Balanced nutrition,” “all-in-one,” “bioavailable nutrients”
Why ultra-processed: Heavily refined powders, artificial flavors, synthetic micronutrients
Examples: Soylent, Huel, Ka'Chava
8. Low-Calorie Ice Cream
Marketing: “Guilt-free,” “high protein,” “low sugar”
Why ultra-processed: Sugar alcohols, gums, emulsifiers, synthetic fibers
Examples: Halo Top, Enlightened, Arctic Zero
9. Sports Drinks & Electrolyte Waters
Marketing: “Hydration,” “replenish electrolytes,” “zero sugar”
Why ultra-processed: Artificial flavors/colors, preservatives, non-nutritive sweeteners
Examples: Gatorade Zero, Vitaminwater Zero, Propel
10. Frozen "Healthy" Meals
Marketing: “Lean,” “balanced,” “plant-based”
Why ultra-processed: Contain preservatives, industrial oils, stabilizers, and highly processed ingredients
Examples: Lean Cuisine, Amy’s Light & Lean, Healthy Choice
🧠 Tip:
Use the NOVA classification to spot ultra-processed foods:
NOVA 4 = industrial formulations with little or no whole foods, and lots of additives.
I think one of the great irony is supplements are ultra processed, especially the "natural" ones.