Cutting Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Half Could Prevent Thousands of Heart Disease Deaths, Study Suggests

Reducing ultra-processed foods may lower cardiovascular disease risks, but experts say more research is needed

A major new study suggests that cutting ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption by half could prevent thousands of deaths linked to cardiovascular disease in Canada. Researchers estimate that a significant reduction in foods such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, ready-made meals, and heavily processed convenience foods could help prevent between 5,000 and 8,300 cardiovascular disease-related deaths.

The findings highlight growing concerns about the role of ultra-processed foods in modern diets and their possible connection with conditions including heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

However, experts caution that the research shows an association rather than direct proof that ultra-processed foods alone cause cardiovascular disease. They say dietary habits are influenced by many factors, including income, lifestyle, access to healthy foods, and overall eating patterns.

Ultra-Processed Foods Make Up a Large Share of Modern Diets

Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that often contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavours, sweeteners, and ingredients that are rarely used in home cooking.

Common examples include:

• Packaged snacks such as chips and biscuits
• Sugary soft drinks and energy drinks
• Instant noodles and ready-to-eat meals
• Processed meats
• Some frozen convenience foods
• Highly refined breakfast cereals

According to the study, Canadian adults consumed a substantial amount of ultra-processed foods, with these products accounting for approximately 43 percent of daily energy intake in 2015.

Researchers analysed dietary data from adults over the age of 20 and estimated how changes in UPF consumption could influence cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Study Estimates Thousands of Preventable Deaths

The research team examined the relationship between ultra-processed food intake and cardiovascular disease events, including coronary heart disease and stroke.

Their analysis estimated that ultra-processed food consumption may have contributed to:

• Between 58,200 and 96,000 new cardiovascular disease cases
• Between 10,600 and 17,400 cardiovascular disease-related deaths in Canada in 2019

The researchers then modelled different scenarios to understand what could happen if people changed their eating habits.

They found that reducing ultra-processed food intake by 50 percent could potentially prevent:

• 27,300 to 45,900 cardiovascular disease cases
• 5,000 to 8,300 cardiovascular disease-related deaths

The researchers said similar patterns may exist in other high-income countries where ultra-processed foods represent a large portion of everyday diets.

Why Ultra-Processed Foods May Affect Heart Health

Scientists believe several factors may explain why high consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked with poorer health outcomes.

Many UPFs tend to be higher in:

• Added sugars
• Saturated fats
• Sodium
• Refined carbohydrates
• Calories

At the same time, they often contain lower levels of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds found in minimally processed foods.

Frequent consumption of these foods has been associated with higher risks of weight gain, elevated blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Researchers also noted that ultra-processed foods can influence eating behaviour because they are designed to be convenient, affordable, and highly appealing.

Experts Warn Against Blaming Individuals Alone

The researchers highlighted that reducing ultra-processed food consumption is not simply a matter of personal choice.

They argued that ultra-processed foods dominate many food environments because they are widely available, heavily marketed, and often cheaper than healthier alternatives.

The study authors suggested that broader public health strategies may be needed, including:

• Clear front-of-package nutrition labels
• Restrictions on unhealthy food marketing
• Policies encouraging healthier food choices
• Targets to improve the nutritional quality of processed products

They said individual education and dietary advice remain important but may have limited impact without wider changes to the food system.

Experts Say More Evidence Is Needed

Although the findings add to existing concerns about ultra-processed foods, some experts stressed that the research has limitations.

Nutrition researchers noted that the study is observational and based on modelling. This means it can identify patterns and possible relationships but cannot prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause cardiovascular disease.

Nutrition expert Gunter Kuhnle from the University of Reading said observational studies can demonstrate links but cannot establish cause and effect.

He also pointed out that people who consume more ultra-processed foods may face other challenges, such as lower income, limited access to healthier options, or other lifestyle factors that influence health.

Food chemistry professor Alberto Fiore from Abertay University described the research as a modelling study that supports existing knowledge about diet quality and heart disease risk rather than proving that industrial food processing itself is a unique cause of cardiovascular disease.

How People Can Reduce Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

Reducing ultra-processed foods does not necessarily mean eliminating all packaged foods. Some processed foods, such as frozen vegetables, canned beans, and pasteurised dairy products, can still be part of a healthy diet.

Practical steps to lower UPF intake include:

Choose More Whole Foods

Focus on foods that are closer to their natural form, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and lentils
• Nuts and seeds
• Fresh fish and lean proteins

Cook More Meals at Home

Preparing meals at home gives people greater control over ingredients, salt levels, sugar content, and portion sizes.

Read Food Labels

Checking ingredient lists can help identify products containing large amounts of added sugars, artificial additives, and refined ingredients.

Replace Rather Than Remove

Small swaps can make a difference. For example, replacing sugary drinks with water, choosing fruit instead of packaged sweets, or preparing homemade snacks can gradually reduce reliance on UPFs.

The Bigger Picture: Improving Diet Quality

The latest research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that diets high in ultra-processed foods may be associated with increased health risks.

Still, experts emphasise that overall dietary patterns matter more than individual foods. A balanced diet that includes plenty of minimally processed foods, adequate nutrients, and healthy lifestyle habits remains one of the most effective approaches for supporting long-term health.

Reducing ultra-processed food consumption may be a useful public health goal, but researchers say it should be combined with efforts to make healthier foods more affordable and accessible.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. The study discussed is observational and does not prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause cardiovascular disease. Individual health risks vary depending on genetics, lifestyle, medical history, and overall diet. People with specific health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making major dietary changes.

Sources

• The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, study examining the potential cardiovascular disease burden associated with ultra-processed food consumption among Canadian adults.
• Research findings reported by Vishwam Sankaran, July 2026, on ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease risks.
• Expert commentary from nutrition researchers including Gunter Kuhnle, University of Reading, and Alberto Fiore, Abertay University.