The experts: dietitians on 20 ways to cut down on UPFs while still eating what you love

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere – but a few small tweaks to your diet can minimise the damage they cause. Here’s how to go about it

More than ever, we worry about the dangers of eating ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Is there a safe level of UPFs to have in your diet? And can an occasional bag of crisps ever be OK? Dietitians share the small swaps that will make big changes to your health.

1. Understand what processed foods actually are
“UPFs have undergone significant modification and processing from their original form,” says Charlie Watson, a Caversham-based NHS dietitian and author of the book Cook Eat Run. “They often contain a large number of ingredients, many of which you may not recognise, including stabilisers, preservatives, artificial colours and flavours.”

Date:

Save story

Topics

More from The Guardian

The Guardian - World
Russia’s spy claims about expelled diplomats are ‘baseless’, UK says, as Putin ramps up row over Ukraine weapons – live

UK government says Russian authorities revoked accreditation of six UK diplomats last month. The head of Russia’s security council, Sergei Shoigu , visited North Korea on Friday and met with the ...
46 minutes ago - Ukraine
The Guardian - World
‘We owe it to voters’: Harris calls for another debate at North Carolina rallies

Democratic nominee criticizes Trump at Charlotte and Greensboro rallies recounting he has ‘concept of a plan’. Kamala Harris held rallies Thursday in North Carolina, first in Charlotte and then in ...
13 hours ago
The Guardian - World
Third of people in Spain say local area has too many foreign tourists

Exclusive: YouGov polling across Europe suggests most countries are sympathetic to protests against overtourism. A third of people in Spain say their local area now has too many international ...
8 hours ago
The Guardian - World
‘I set a goal to make her famous’: the baby pygmy hippo who became a giant online

Moo-Deng from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand has amassed a legion of fans thanks to her viral fame across TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. A two-month-old pygmy hippo has become an internet ...
6 hours ago
The Guardian - World
Israel-Gaza war live: Body of US-Turkish citizen killed by Israeli troops in occupied West Bank due to arrive in Turkey

Ankara has said it will open an investigation into the killing of US-Turkish citizen Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi and will request international arrest warrants. An opinion poll on Friday showed Israeli ...
26 minutes ago - Israel

The experts: dietitians on 20 ways to cut down on UPFs while still eating what you love

Topics

See also

You don’t invest in non-U.S. stocks? Here’s what you’re missing.

Way-Too-Early 2025 Infielder Rankings: J.T. Realmuto still a solid starter, and more

A ‘golden age’ for active bond ETFs? What investors need to know before piling in as Fed prepares rate cuts

The big question is what comes next after the Fed’s rate cut

How a fringe online claim about immigrants eating pets made its way to the debate stage

Should you lock in a mortgage rate after the Fed cuts rates?

Grand Theft Auto 6 Might Not Benefit From PS5 Pro In Ways That You Expect

20 Amazing Details In Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

My wife’s drinking is way over guidelines but she never loses control. What do you suggest? | Leading questions

‘Plants are trying to kill you’: why carnivore influencers claim we should eat only meat

More from The Guardian

Russia’s spy claims about expelled diplomats are ‘baseless’, UK says, as Putin ramps up row over Ukraine weapons – live

‘We owe it to voters’: Harris calls for another debate at North Carolina rallies

Third of people in Spain say local area has too many foreign tourists

‘I set a goal to make her famous’: the baby pygmy hippo who became a giant online

Israel-Gaza war live: Body of US-Turkish citizen killed by Israeli troops in occupied West Bank due to arrive in Turkey