Today marks Day 4 of the 5-Day Healthier Eating Challenge, which has focused on healthy eating at home. But today’s challenge will take participants to a real-life grocery store to identify ultraprocessed foods and explore less processed alternatives.
Marion Nestle, an emerita professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University, led the way by examining food labels and ingredients in the supermarket. Nestle highlighted certain ingredients that signal ultraprocessing, such as thickeners, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic food dyes.
During the shopping trip, Nestle emphasized the importance of reading ingredient lists and looking for recognizable items. She also recommended checking a food additive database if encountering unfamiliar ingredients. Participants were encouraged not to equate terms like “wholesome” or “natural” with unprocessed, as products labeled as such can still be ultraprocessed.
The expert recommended doing quick comparisons of similar products to find less processed alternatives. For example, choosing a kettle corn-flavored snack over a white cheddar version produced a more minimally processed option.
At a convenience store, Nestle selected foods and drinks that were not ultraprocessed, including an apple, orange juice, plain yogurt, and salted pistachios. The article concludes by highlighting Nestle’s commitment to avoiding artificial foods and her energetic lifestyle at the age of 88.
Participants of the challenge are encouraged to apply these lessons to their grocery shopping habits and make more informed choices when it comes to processed foods. Through awareness and education, individuals can take steps toward a healthier eating lifestyle.