Summary
This paper describes a new food classification which assigns foodstuffs according to the extent and purpose of the industrial processing applied to them. Three main groups are defined: unprocessed or minimally processed foods (group 1), processed culinary and food industry ingredients (group 2), and ultra-processed food products (group 3). The use of this classification is illustrated by applying it to data collected in the Brazilian Household Budget Survey which was conducted in 2002/2003 through a probabilistic sample of 48,470 Brazilian households. The average daily food availability was 1,792 kcal/person being 42.5% from group 1 (mostly rice and beans and meat and milk), 37.5% from group 2 (mostly vegetable oils, sugar, and flours), and 20% from group 3 (mostly breads, biscuits, sweets, soft drinks, and sausages). The share of group 3 foods increased with income, and represented almost one third of all calories in higher income households. The impact of the replacement of group 1 foods and group 2 ingredients by group 3 products on the overall quality of the diet, eating patterns and health is discussed.
Outcomes reported
Referenced by Cambridge UPF young adults as citation 8; likely supports topic area: ultra-processed foods / UPF. Topics: ultra-processed foods / UPF Evidence type: Research article / other Source report: Cambridge UPF young adults Ref#: Cambridge UPF young adults #8 Original: Monteiro CA, Levy RB, Claro RM, et al. A new classification of foods based on the extent and purpose of their processing. Cad Saúde Pública. 2010;26:2039-2049.
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.