The Daily News – May 22, 2025

Nearly half of the calories eaten by Canadian preschoolers come from ultra processed foods. Now that’s leading to a higher risk of obesity by age five. Researchers from the University of Toronto published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that followed over 2200 children. It tracked their diets at age three and measure their body composition at age five. It didn’t matter if the parents were more educated or if the child was breastfed. The link between UPF consumption and increased obesity was strong. Ultra processed foods aren’t just the obvious culprits, like say, chips, soda, and maybe even instant noodles. This study points out that even seemingly healthy options can fall into the ultra process category. Here’s a list of those seemingly healthy options that you might pack in a child’s lunchbox, but that actually fall into the ultra processed category. Flavored yogurt cups marketed as a good source of calcium and protein, but often packed with added sugars, artificial flavors and stabilizers, whole grain sandwich bread, even healthy packaged breads often contain emulsifiers, preservatives, and added sugars. Granola bars label as high fiber or whole grain, but often contain high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors, sweetened applesauce pouches, often made from fruit puree concentrate with added sugars and preservatives instead of fresh fruit. Packaged deli meats, even natural or nitrate free options are still processed and often contain added sodium, preservatives and flavor enhancers. Veggie chips, or straws marketed as a healthier alternative to chips, but are often just potato starch with vegetable powder and added flavoring fortified fruit juices or juice boxes, even when labeled 100% juice. Processing removes fiber and they often contain added vitamin blends instead of whole fruit benefits. Protein or energy bars often contain processed protein, isolates, artificial sweeteners and additives to enhance texture and shelf life, nut butter and jam in squeeze packs. These may contain added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and emulsifiers to maintain texture. Whole wheat crackers often containing refined grains, added sugars and preservatives despite being labeled as whole grain prepackaged cheese, snacks like cheese strings and cheese cubes in snack packs. Some varieties contain emulsifiers and stabilizers to enhance texture and shelf life. Smoothie pouches or bottled smoothies marketed as fruit based, but many contain added sugars, preservatives and processed fruit purees, frozen healthy waffles or pancakes. Even whole grain versions often contain preservatives and added sugars. These foods appear to be healthy due to marketing claims about fiber, protein, or vitamins, but they are still considered ultra process due to added stabilizers or refined ingredients and artificial enhancements. So what can be done? The researchers are now investigating whether swapping out ultra processed food for minimally processed whole food could reduce the negative effects on body composition and obesity risk. They also acknowledge that ultra processed foods are convenient, widely available, and often more affordable, which makes it hard for parents to avoid them completely. In other countries, measures like front of package warning labels and food specific taxes have been introduced to help people make healthier choices. According to One, professor Canada is falling behind in this area. With overweight and obesity affecting nearly one in three children in this country, it’s scary that we are not taking more action. The study’s authors are urging policymakers to step up better food labeling, improved affordability of fresh food and stronger public health policies could help shift the balance toward healthier eating habits for kids. The study suggests that helping families make informed food choices could play a role in improving children’s long-term health. With ongoing research experts hope to find more ways to support healthier eating habits from an early age. If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell. And as always, thank you so much for joining us on The Daily News.