Bloomberg Businessweek The Truth About Seed Oils and Ultra-Processed Foods
Nov 10, 2025
Dr. Julia Wolfson, an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins focusing on nutrition policy, dives deep into the complex world of seed oils and ultra-processed foods. She highlights the alarming statistic that over half of U.S. daily calories come from these foods, linked to serious health issues like obesity and diabetes. Wolfson provides practical tips for parents to reduce their children's intake and discusses the challenges in distinguishing between natural and processed foods. She also weighs in on policy implications, raising concerns about government strategies and SNAP benefits.
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What Counts As Ultra‑Processed
- Ultra-processed foods are defined by industrial ingredients and techniques not used in home kitchens.
- The NOVA classification flags additives like emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial flavors to identify them.
Use Ingredient Lists To Judge Foods
- Check the ingredient list and avoid products with items you wouldn't cook with at home.
- If you see unfamiliar additives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients, treat it as ultra-processed.
Why Ultra‑Processed Foods Dominate
- Ultra-processed foods dominate diets because they're convenient, marketed heavily, and often cheaper.
- Early taste preference shaping and aggressive marketing to kids lock in consumption patterns.