5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Minimally processed foods do not guarantee a healthy diet, as shown in a study presented at NUTRITION 2024.

• 2

  The study compared menus emphasizing minimally processed versus ultra-processed foods using the NOVA classification system.

• 3

  The less-processed menu was over twice as expensive and expired three times faster than the more-processed menu.

• 4

  Both menus had similar Healthy Eating Index scores of 43-44, indicating poor adherence to dietary guidelines.

• 5

  Some nutrient-dense foods are classified as ultra-processed, highlighting the need for better characterization in nutrition research.