The Hard Shoulder How bad are ultra-processed foods?
Nov 19, 2025
Dietitian Sarah Keogh, founder of Eatwell, dives into the murky waters of ultra-processed foods. She discusses the Lancet report's findings linking these foods to chronic diseases and emphasizes the importance of not panicking over headlines, noting it’s about association, not causation. Sarah also highlights the socioeconomic factors influencing food choices and the need for clearer definitions in nutrition. Along with Chef Gerry Devlin, they suggest practical cooking alternatives and stress the importance of cooking education to foster healthier habits.
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Diet Shift Fuels Obesity Crisis
- Donal O'Shea says population diets shifting from whole foods to energy-dense ultra-processed items drive the obesity epidemic.
- He highlights lack of a clear definition of ultra-processed foods and calls for more research over the next 5–10 years.
Headlines Overreach Study Limits
- Sarah Keogh warns headlines overstate causal claims and notes the studies do not prove additives cause harm.
- She stresses ultra-processed is a broad category that includes some nutritious items like wholegrain bread and yoghurt.
What People Don't Eat Matters
- Sarah Keogh explains high ultra-processed intake correlates with lower fruit, veg and fibre intake, which likely raises disease risk.
- She stresses observed associations may reflect what people omit from their diet as much as what they consume.