Prevalence of ultra-processed foods and beverages in newly launched products across the Americas: a comparison between the United States and Latin American countries from 2018 to 2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are an increasing global health concern, but their prevalence across the food supply is unknown. This is particularly important in developing countries such as Latin America, where consumption is lower but increasing. We quantified country-specific metrics of UPFs in the food supply across the Americas, including the prevalence of UPFs, the presence and number of additives, and the extent to which UPFs and non-UPFs are high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium (HFSS).

Methods

Using data on packaged products launched between 2018 and 2023 from the Mintel Global New Products Database in 11 North and Latin American countries (n = 207,363 products), we identified the presence of ultra-processing markers, such as additives, in foods a

SUBMITTER: Vatavuk-Serrati G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12450670 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature