Public views on ultra-processed foods

A new report by the British Science Association (BSA) has reviewed existing evidence about the public’s perceptions on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) revealing that many are uncertain about what ultra-processed foods actually are and whether or not they are safe.

The social intelligence report, which has been produced by the BSA as part of the Sciencewise consortium, was commissioned by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to better understand what is already known about the public’s views on UPFs and to identify areas that could need further investigation as part of a UK-wide public dialogue.

Download the full report

Riaz Bhunnoo, Director of the Global Food Security Programme at UKRI, said: “Food and diet impacts everyone, and we know that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a major component of modern diets. So, it is right that we include public perspectives in our approaches to research on UPFs. This new report from Sciencewise highlights some of the tensions and complexities around how people view UPFs and their place in our food system, which we are excited to explore more through a public dialogue. We hope that as a result, future research into UPFs will better respond to peoples’ experiences and priorities.”

The five key findings from the report are:

UPFs are embedded in people’s eating habits, with cost, convenience and stress driving their consumption.
People feel that the food system does not support them to make good choices.
There are varying levels of understanding of UPFs, and people would welcome more transparency.
There are signs that the public would support more Government intervention to make food healthier.
Experts agree that processed foods and some UPF subgroups can have a place in people’s diets, but there is a lack of consensus on how risks should be communicated to the public.

This report will help inform an upcoming public dialogue into UPFs being led by Sciencewise which will delve into these themes even further, offering deeper insight for policymakers on how food policy could better reflect the public’s views.

Tom Saunders, Head of Public Engagement at UKRI, said: "In exploring public perceptions of ultra-processed foods, it is vital to amplify the voices of diverse communities whose health and wellbeing are directly impacted. This Sciencewise social intelligence report will serve as a crucial platform for policymakers to engage with these perspectives, ensuring that food policy reflects the needs and experiences of all, fostering a healthier future for everyone."

Sciencewise is an internationally recognised programme led and funded by UK Research and Innovation with support from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology. The consortium is led by public engagement charity, Involve, with the British Science Association (BSA) and National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE).