A new CDC report uncovered a rising trend in what we regularly consume—and there's one surprising group that's more impacted.
As research continues to point to the growing list of health benefits connected to following certain healthier eating plans, many of us want to shift our eating habits. Yet, in the name of convenience, it’s easier than ever to pick up a packaged meal from the grocery store or drive through for an order of our favorite burger and fries—and a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the average American gets more than half of their total calories—55%—from ultra-processed foods.
The report, published in August 2025, reviewed data collected between August 2021 and August 2023. Another staggering fact highlighted that children and teens get an even larger share of their calories from these foods when compared to adults—nearly 62% for those between the ages of 1 and 18, versus 53% for adults age 19 and older.
Per the report, the top five sources of calories from ultra-processed foods among youth were:
- Sandwiches, including burgers: (7.6% of total calories)
- Sweet bakery products (6.3%)
- Savory snacks (4.9%)
- Pizza (4.7%)
- Sweetened beverages (3.9%)
Adults, eating many of these same processed foods in roughly comparable amounts, consumed less pizza but ate more breads, rolls, and tortillas, accounting for another 3.1% of their total calories. Men and women ate similar amounts of ultra-processed foods overall, according to data. The CDC highlights that a heavy reliance on processed products poses serious health risks, increasing the likelihood of heart disease and overall death in particular.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, ultra-processed foods represent “a patchwork of ingredients, additives and preservatives,” typically containing added fats, starches, sugars, salts and hydrogenated oils derived from other foods. Adds the clinic’s experts: “Think of ultra-processed foods like Frankenstein’s monster: Changed by science until they’re almost unrecognizable from their original form. All of these additions add taste and flavor, which makes you want to keep coming back for more.”
While certainly convenient and tasty, eating lots of highly processed foods can contribute to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. For those looking to cut back, experts at the Clinic offer a practical reminder: “Start by making small swaps. Adding more whole foods to your diet can balance out the ultra-processed foods that you’re struggling to cut.”
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