The term "ultraprocessed food" has become a buzzword, sparking fear and concern among consumers and even prompting regulatory action. However, as this article delves into, the concept is flawed and based more on subjective opinions than scientific evidence. The author argues that the term "ultraprocessed" is almost meaningless and should be abandoned, as it fails to accurately reflect the level of processing in food and is often used to demonize certain foods without a solid scientific foundation. The Nova grading system, which introduced the term, is criticized for its lack of objective measurement and its reliance on subjective opinions. The author provides examples of how the term is applied inconsistently and how it fails to consider the actual processing methods used in food production. The article also highlights the limited and often misleading research on ultraprocessed foods, with most studies showing weak associations between UPFs and health issues. The author concludes that the term "ultraprocessed food" is a scare tactic and that consumers should focus on a balanced diet rather than solely on processing levels.
