Two thirds of UK adults believe the next generation will suffer poorer health because of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), a new survey reveals. Nearly four in ten want to see these products banned entirely.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Mortar Research for retailer Lakeland in January, shows widespread public alarm. Some 66% expressed worry about UPFs' impact on public health, while 59% called them "impossible to avoid" when shopping on a budget.
The findings point to strong demand for intervention. Around 68% believe the Government should do more to protect people from UPFs, and 66% want supermarkets to take more responsibility for the products they sell.
Calls for clearer labelling and education
A large majority of 77% want clear warning labels on food containing ultra-processed ingredients. Three quarters believe children should be taught in schools about UPF dangers and the value of home cooking.
Yet a quarter of adults admitted they do not know how to recognise UPFs. The survey found 44% cite lack of time as the main barrier to cooking from scratch, while 19% consider it too expensive and 16% find it too complicated.
Growing trend towards home cooking
Despite these obstacles, many UK adults have increased their scratch cooking. Some 44% reported cooking more from scratch over the past five years, 35% over two years, and 31% within the last year.
The motivations vary. A fifth said they cooked more to avoid UPFs, while 25% did so to save money and 26% for other health benefits.
Wendy Miranda, customer brand ambassador at Lakeland, said: «There are clear benefits to cooking from scratch and knowing exactly what is going into the food we eat. We encourage our customers to think of the benefits, from nutrition to mindfulness to improving overall energy levels and simply feeling a sense of personal achievement with each cooking creation.»
Expert warnings
In November, 43 scientists and researchers co-authored an article in The Lancet medical journal arguing that UPFs are "displacing" fresh foods and worsening diet quality. Global experts have warned that UPFs drive a "chronic disease pandemic" linked to obesity, heart disease, cancer and early death.
The dietary share of UPFs stands at around 50% in the US and UK, compared to below 25% in Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal and across Asia.
Ultra-processed foods include ice cream, processed meats, crisps, mass-produced bread, some breakfast cereals, biscuits, many ready meals and fizzy drinks. They often contain high levels of saturated fat, salt, sugar and additives such as preservatives, emulsifiers and artificial colours and flavours.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
