Ultra-processed food consumption in adults across Europe

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe ultra-processed food and drinks (UPFDs) consumption, and associations with intake of total sugar and dietary fibre, and high BMI in adults across Europe. Methods Using food consumption data collected by food records or 24-h dietary recalls available from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, the foods consumed were classified by the level of processing using the NOVA classification. Diet quality was assessed by data linkage to the Dutch food composition tables (NEVO) and years lived with disability for high BMI from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Bivariate groupings were carried out to explore associations of UPFDs consumption with population intake of sugar and dietary fibre, and BMI burden, visualised by scatterplots. Results The energy share from UPFDs varied markedly across the 22 European countries included, ranging from 14 to 44%, being the lowest in Italy and Romania, while the highest in the UK and Sweden. An overall modest decrease (2–15%) in UPFDs consumption is observed over time, except for Finland, Spain and the UK reporting increases (3–9%). Fine bakery wares and soft drinks were most frequently ranked as the main contributor. Countries with a higher sugar intake reported also a higher energy share from UPFDs, as most clearly observed for UPF (r = 0.57, p value = 0.032 for men; and r = 0.53, p value = 0.061 for women). No associations with fibre intake or high BMI were observed. Conclusion Population-level UPFDs consumption substantially varied across Europe, although main contributors are similar. UPFDs consumption was not observed to be associated with country-level burden of high BMI, despite being related to a higher total sugar intake.

Description of Ultra-Processed Food Intake in a Swiss Population-Based Sample of Adults Aged 18 to 75 Years

“…Comparing our results with other studies is difficult because the way foods are grouped differs from one study to another. However, a study conducted in 22 European countries reported that the two main UPFs consumed among adults were fine bakery wares and sausages [ 43 ]. In our study, chocolate, industrial cakes, and cookies are typical UPFs of the group confectionary, cakes & biscuits.…”

The ultra-processed foods hypothesis: a product processed well beyond the basic ingredients in the package

“…The risk of such diseases does indeed increase with UPF intake within populations but, importantly, not across populations. In countries such as the United Kingdom or Ireland, where their level of consumption exceeds 50% of total food, the incidence of UPF-associated NCDs should be much higher than in countries like Italy, where instead it only slightly exceeds 10% (82) , but this is not the case.…”

Revisiting the MMTV Zoonotic Hypothesis to Account for Geographic Variation in Breast Cancer Incidence

“…The consumption of ultra-processed foods with increasing wealth might be a confounding factor contributing to the increased incidence of breast cancer worldwide [ 51 ]. However, it is important to note that while Europe has seen an increase in breast cancer incidence overall, processed food consumption in women has fallen in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden [ 52 ]; countries where incidence increased or remained elevated. Thus, while increased processed food consumption in non-European countries might have contributed to increased breast cancer incidence, it cannot account for the increased breast cancer incidence in Europe.…”