The average child in the United States gets more than 60% of their calories from ultraprocessed foods, a recent data brief from the National Center for Health Statistics reveals.
Ultraprocessed foods, including many packaged snacks, are often low in dietary fiber and have high amounts of sweeteners, salt and unhealthy fats, center says. These foods are also linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.
For the study, researchers examined 2021-2023 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Cancer Institute. They found that kids between the ages of 1 and 18 got approximately 62% of their calories from ultraprocessed foods. (Adults, in comparison, got 53%.)
Kids ages 6 to 18 consumed more ultraprocessed food-related calories than children 5 and younger.
The top five sources of calories from ultraprocessed foods among kids: sandwiches (including burgers), sweet bakery products, savory snacks, pizza and sweetened beverages.
“Most dietary guidelines, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, recommend eating a variety of whole foods and limiting intake of foods with added sugars,” the researchers say.
