The importance of consumer communication on ultra-processed foods is highlighted by experts

01 December 2023

Nowadays, consumers are most likely to choose a non processed product or a low processed product. Brands are called by Mintel to promote self-education regarding health implication of ultra-processed foods, in order to improve transparency and consumer trust, as reported by Food Navigator.

A recent research reports that ultra-processed food are not always hazardous to health. It is argued that stating that all ultra-processed food is dangerous, is too simplistic. Event though, it is true that ultra-processed food can lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular diseases, that is not always they case. Indeed, the study points out that the increasing risk of disease it is due to the overall composition of the product. The research conclusion is that ultra-processed food should be limited rather than avoided.

For this reason, there is a need of improving transparency in the labelling of ultra-processed food and in the communications. Mintel highlights the importance of consumers being aware of the health implications this type of food have.