Dexter McCullough
Contributor, Misleading.com
October 4, 2025 · 12:55PM MST
“You can believe processed foods have no side effects—because they’re baked right in.“
The Convenience Trap
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are everywhere—on our shelves, in our freezers, and increasingly, in our bodies. Marketed as convenient, affordable, and tasty, they’ve become the backbone of the modern diet. But a growing body of research suggests that this convenience comes at a cost. Recent studies are drawing a disturbing connection between UPFs and cancer risk, forcing a public reckoning with what we eat and why.
This editorial doesn’t aim to scare you—it aims to inform you. The science isn’t settled, but the evidence is mounting. Whether you believe the findings or not, the question remains: if there’s even a chance these foods are harming us, shouldn’t we err on the side of caution?
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
According to the NOVA classification system, ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made mostly from substances extracted from foods—oils, fats, sugars, starches, and protein isolates—combined with additives like flavor enhancers, colorings, emulsifiers, and preservatives. These are not foods in the traditional sense; they are engineered products designed to be hyper-palatable and shelf-stable.
Examples include:
- Packaged snacks and desserts
- Sugary breakfast cereals
- Instant noodles and frozen meals
- Fast food items
- Soft drinks and energy beverages
In the United States, UPFs account for nearly 60% of the average adult’s caloric intake. For children and teens, that number is even higher.
The New Study: Cancer Risk and UPFs
A landmark British study published in 2025 analyzed data from nearly 200,000 participants over a decade. The researchers found that every 10% increase in UPF consumption was associated with a 2% increase in overall cancer risk—and a staggering 19% increase in ovarian cancer risk. The study controlled for lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and body mass index, strengthening the case for a direct link.
Dr. Marisa Moroney of UCHealth summarized the findings: “It adds to the growing evidence that ultra-processed foods negatively impact our health, and one of the ways that seems to be is through increasing the risk of cancer.”
Another study led by Dr. Mingyang Song at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a consistent association between UPF intake and colorectal cancer. Song’s team emphasized that UPFs tend to be low in fiber and high in additives, which may contribute to carcinogenesis through gut microbiome disruption and chronic inflammation.
Mechanisms of Harm: How UPFs Might Cause Cancer
While the epidemiological data is compelling, researchers are also investigating the biological mechanisms that could explain the link between UPFs and cancer. Several hypotheses have emerged:
- Additives and Preservatives
Many UPFs contain emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic colorings. These substances may disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to inflammation—a known precursor to cancer. - Chemical Byproducts
High-temperature cooking methods used in processing can produce carcinogenic compounds such as acrylamide and heterocyclic amines. These chemicals have been shown to damage DNA and promote tumor growth in animal studies. - Packaging Contaminants
Plastic packaging can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates into food. These compounds interfere with hormone regulation and have been linked to breast and prostate cancers. - Nutritional Deficiency
UPFs are often low in essential nutrients and fiber. A diet lacking in protective compounds like antioxidants and phytochemicals may leave the body more vulnerable to cellular damage and mutation.
The Addiction Factor: Why We Keep Eating Them
A University of Michigan study found that 21% of Gen X women and 10% of Gen X men show signs of addiction to ultra-processed foods. Using the Yale Food Addiction Scale, researchers identified symptoms such as intense cravings, withdrawal, and social avoidance due to overeating.
This generation was the first to grow up in a processed-food environment—bombarded by diet snacks, frozen meals, and sugary cereals marketed as healthy. The study suggests that early exposure may create lifelong vulnerability, making it harder to break the habit even when the risks become clear.
Inflammation and Chronic Disease
A separate study from Florida Atlantic University found that individuals who consumed 60–79% of their daily calories from UPFs had significantly elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. Even moderate UPF consumers (40–59% of calories) showed a 14% increase in hs-CRP levels.
Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to a range of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The link between UPFs and inflammation adds another layer of concern to their widespread consumption.
Counterarguments and Scientific Skepticism
Not everyone agrees with the conclusions of these studies. Critics argue that observational research cannot prove causation and that confounding variables may still be at play. For example, individuals who consume more UPFs may also engage in other unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or sedentary lifestyles.
However, the consistency of findings across multiple studies—and the biological plausibility of the proposed mechanisms—make it difficult to dismiss the concerns outright. As more longitudinal and interventional studies emerge, the picture may become clearer. But for now, the precautionary principle seems wise.
What You Can Do: Practical Steps Toward Safer Eating
If you’re concerned about the potential risks of UPFs, here are some actionable steps you can take:
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Cook at Home: Preparing meals from scratch allows you to control ingredients and avoid hidden additives.
- Read Labels: Look for short ingredient lists and avoid products with unfamiliar chemical names.
- Limit Fast Food: Especially processed meats, fried items, and sugary beverages.
- Plan Ahead: Meal prepping can reduce reliance on convenience foods during busy weeks.
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Believe It—But You Should Know It
The science is evolving, and the debate is ongoing. But the stakes are high. If ultra-processed foods are even possibly linked to cancer, then continuing to consume them without caution is a risk—one that may not be worth taking.
This editorial isn’t telling you what to believe. It’s telling you what’s out there. The studies, the mechanisms, the addiction, the inflammation—it’s all part of a growing body of evidence that suggests we should be paying closer attention to what we eat.
Because when it comes to your health, ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s a gamble. We want to hear from you
