A survey of adults in the United States from 2023 found that around 62 percent said they chose ultra-processed foods because of the taste, while 32 percent bought ultra-processed foods because they are usually cheaper than less processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are foods such as soft drinks, ice-cream, and chips which have gone through multiple processes and have many added ingredients. Consumption of these foods has been linked to a higher risk of various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. This statistic shows the percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023.
Percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023
Characteristic
Percentage of respondents
Taste
62%
Convenience
59%
Longer shelf life
34%
Typically lower price
32%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
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PR Newswire. (October 15, 2023). Percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 03, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1491202/adults-reason-for-choosing-ultra-processed-foods-us/
PR Newswire. "Percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023." Chart. October 15, 2023. Statista. Accessed April 03, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1491202/adults-reason-for-choosing-ultra-processed-foods-us/
PR Newswire. (2023). Percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 03, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1491202/adults-reason-for-choosing-ultra-processed-foods-us/
PR Newswire. "Percentage of Adults in The United States Who Chose Ultra-processed Foods for Select Reasons as of 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Oct 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1491202/adults-reason-for-choosing-ultra-processed-foods-us/
PR Newswire, Percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1491202/adults-reason-for-choosing-ultra-processed-foods-us/ (last visited April 03, 2025)
Percentage of adults in the United States who chose ultra-processed foods for select reasons as of 2023 [Graph], PR Newswire, October 15, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1491202/adults-reason-for-choosing-ultra-processed-foods-us/
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