Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially formulated products containing ingredients you wouldn't find in a home kitchen. They make up 60% of calories consumed in the US.
| Name | Safety | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Flavors | ⚠️ Caution | Umbrella term for flavoring substances derived from plant or animal sources. Can contain up to 100 u... |
| Artificial Flavors | ⚠️ Caution | Chemically synthesized compounds that mimic natural tastes. FDA-approved but composition not disclos... |
| Modified Food Starch | ⚠️ Caution | Chemically or physically altered starch used as a thickener. May be derived from corn, wheat, potato... |
| Mono- and Diglycerides | ⚠️ Caution | Common emulsifiers in bread, peanut butter, and ice cream. May contain trans fats not listed on labe... |
| Polysorbate 80 | ⚠️ Caution | An emulsifier used in ice cream and cosmetics. May affect gut barrier function at high doses.... |
| Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) | ⚠️ Caution | A thickener in ice cream, salad dressings, and gluten-free products. May promote gut inflammation.... |
| Hydrolyzed Protein | ⚠️ Caution | Proteins broken down into amino acids for flavor enhancement. May contain free glutamate (hidden MSG... |
| Autolyzed Yeast Extract | ⚠️ Caution | A flavor enhancer containing free glutamic acid (natural MSG). Used in soups, snacks, and seasonings... |