Health and Me

Ishita Roy

5 Ultra Processed Foods That Could Be Worse Than You Think, Explains Expert

Ultra-processed foods (<span>UPFs</span>) have been dominating <span>nutrition</span> debates in recent months, but experts say not all UPFs deserve equal concern. Some may be far more disruptive to metabolic and heart health than others, depending on ingredients and frequency of consumption.

UPFs are industrially manufactured products that typically contain refined flours, industrial seed oils, added sugars, preservatives, emulsifiers and stabilizers. Several studies have linked high UPF consumption to obesity, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. One recent study even suggested that eliminating UPFs could significantly accelerate weight loss, while others have connected them to a higher risk of chronic illness.

Speaking to <em>Fox News Digital,</em> Eric Berg, a Florida chiropractor and health educator known online as "the Knowledge Doc," highlighted five commonly consumed ultra-processed foods that may warrant extra caution.

<h2>Ketchup: Small Amounts, Hidden Sugars</h2>

Ketchup may seem harmless, but many commercial varieties contain significant amounts of added sugar, often in the form of corn syrup. Even when consumed in small quantities, frequent use can steadily increase daily sugar intake.

Over time, this added sugar may contribute to excess calories and disrupt metabolic health. Checking ingredient labels and opting for low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives can help reduce this hidden source of sweetness.

<h2>Flavored Yogurt: A Health Halo Problem</h2>

Yogurt is widely perceived as a health food, but flavored versions can be misleading. Many contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and stabilizers that outweigh their nutritional benefits.

While yogurt itself can support gut health—especially when fermented with beneficial bacteria—experts stress that the health impact depends heavily on sugar content, ingredients and portion size. Choosing plain yogurt and adding fresh fruit or natural sweeteners at home is often a better option.

<h2>Soda Crackers: Refined and Deceptive</h2>

Soda crackers are often marketed as a light or “safe” snack, yet they frequently contain refined flours, added sugars and unhealthy oils. These refined ingredients are quickly digested, which may trigger blood sugar spikes, particularly when eaten without fiber or protein.

Healthier alternatives include whole-food-based crackers made from nuts or seeds, which offer more fibre, nutrients and longer-lasting satiety.

<h2>Candy Bars: More Than Just Sugar</h2>

Candy bars are one of the most obvious examples of ultra-processed foods. They are typically made with refined starches, seed oils and artificial additives while offering little to no nutritional value.

Frequent consumption of such products has been linked by nutrition experts to poorer metabolic health over time. The concern isn’t just sugar, but the combination of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates and additives that may collectively strain cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

<h2>Ice Cream Cones: The Overlooked Culprit</h2>

Interestingly, it’s not the ice cream itself but the factory-made cone that raises red flags. These cones are often ultra-processed, containing refined flours, added sugars, unhealthy oils and artificial ingredients.

When paired with commercial ice cream, the result can be a “double hit” of sugar, unhealthy fats and additives, significantly lowering the overall nutritional quality of the treat.

Experts emphasize that moderation matters, and occasional indulgence isn’t the issue. The real concern lies in habitual consumption of ultra-processed foods that quietly dominate daily diets. Reading labels, prioritising whole foods and being mindful of ingredient lists can go a long way in protecting long-term health.

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Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been dominating nutrition debates in recent months, but experts say not all UPFs deserve equal concern. Some may be far more disruptive to metabolic and heart health than others, depending on ingredients and frequency of consumption.UPFs are industrially manufactured products that typically contain refined flours, industrial seed oils, added sugars, preservatives, emulsifiers and stabilizers. Several studies have linked high UPF consumption to obesity, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. One recent study even suggested that eliminating UPFs could significantly accelerate weight loss, while others have connected them to a higher risk of chronic illness.Speaking to Fox News Digital, Eric Berg, a Florida chiropractor and health educator known online as "the Knowledge Doc," highlighted five commonly consumed ultra-processed foods that may warrant extra caution.Ketchup: Small Amounts, Hidden SugarsKetchup may seem harmless, but many commercial varieties contain significant amounts of added sugar, often in the form of corn syrup. Even when consumed in small quantities, frequent use can steadily increase daily sugar intake.Over time, this added sugar may contribute to excess calories and disrupt metabolic health. Checking ingredient labels and opting for low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives can help reduce this hidden source of sweetness.Flavored Yogurt: A Health Halo ProblemYogurt is widely perceived as a health food, but flavored versions can be misleading. Many contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and stabilizers that outweigh their nutritional benefits.While yogurt itself can support gut health—especially when fermented with beneficial bacteria—experts stress that the health impact depends heavily on sugar content, ingredients and portion size. Choosing plain yogurt and adding fresh fruit or natural sweeteners at home is often a better option.Soda Crackers: Refined and DeceptiveSoda crackers are often marketed as a light or “safe” snack, yet they frequently contain refined flours, added sugars and unhealthy oils. These refined ingredients are quickly digested, which may trigger blood sugar spikes, particularly when eaten without fiber or protein.Healthier alternatives include whole-food-based crackers made from nuts or seeds, which offer more fibre, nutrients and longer-lasting satiety.Candy Bars: More Than Just SugarCandy bars are one of the most obvious examples of ultra-processed foods. They are typically made with refined starches, seed oils and artificial additives while offering little to no nutritional value.Frequent consumption of such products has been linked by nutrition experts to poorer metabolic health over time. The concern isn’t just sugar, but the combination of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates and additives that may collectively strain cardiovascular and metabolic systems.Ice Cream Cones: The Overlooked CulpritInterestingly, it’s not the ice cream itself but the factory-made cone that raises red flags. These cones are often ultra-processed, containing refined flours, added sugars, unhealthy oils and artificial ingredients.When paired with commercial ice cream, the result can be a “double hit” of sugar, unhealthy fats and additives, significantly lowering the overall nutritional quality of the treat.The Bigger PictureExperts emphasize that moderation matters, and occasional indulgence isn’t the issue. The real concern lies in habitual consumption of ultra-processed foods that quietly dominate daily diets. Reading labels, prioritising whole foods and being mindful of ingredient lists can go a long way in protecting long-term health.