In conflict zones like Gaza or Sudan, where food insecurity is an ever-pressing concern, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are often a lifeline. In Gaza, the World Food Programme (WFP) has relied on UPFs such as fortified flour and canned goods to sustain communities facing devastating shortages. Similarly, in Sudan's famine-hit Zamzam camp, community kitchens supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross have distributed hot meals to displaced families. These examples underscore a critical point: UPFs are not just convenient snacks or fast food. They are a cornerstone of emergency food aid, offering safety, affordability, and accessibility when fresh alternatives are unavailable.
Yet, the value of UPFs extends far beyond war zones and disaster-stricken regions. Even in Europe, where food systems are less fragile, UPFs play a crucial role in addressing economic and social challenges. With the rising cost of living, increasing time pressures, and growing awareness of food safety, UPFs deserve a more balanced appraisal for their contributions to modern diets.
A Lifeline in Emergencies—and Everyday Life
UPFs are often dismissed as unhealthy or overly processed, but they are indispensable in crises. Processing techniques like pasteurization, sterilization, and fortification ensure that UPFs are safe to consume and nutritionally robust. For example, fortified cereals and flours provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron, to populations at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Quick-freezing methods preserve the vitamin content of fruits and vegetables, making UPFs an effective way to deliver nutrition when fresh food is inaccessible or unaffordable.
But their utility isn't limited to emergencies. In Europe, many households, not only low-income ones, rely on UPFs for their affordability and convenience. Canned beans, processed grains, vegetables, and fish, for instance, are not only budget-friendly but also retain much of their nutritional value. For families facing rising grocery bills and stagnant wages, these foods are often the most sustainable way to ensure a balanced diet while making spoilage an effective non-issue. According to Eurostat, nearly 10% of Europeans were unable to afford a quality meal every other day in 2022—a figure likely to rise in the current economic climate.
UPFs also cater to the fast-paced nature of modern life. With long working hours, urban commutes, and growing demands on time, preparing meals from scratch is a luxury many Europeans cannot afford. Ready-to-eat meals, packaged sandwiches, and other convenience foods enable busy individuals to maintain their nutrition without compromising on time. For parents juggling work and childcare, these options are often the only practical way to ensure their family eats healthily.
Moreover, UPFs are not inherently unhealthy. Products like wholegrain bread, plant-based milk, and yogurt are technically UPFs but are widely recognized as part of a balanced diet. The key lies in making informed choices.
Beyond convenience, there is another often overlooked aspect of UPFs that warrants attention, namely the fact that UPFs play a crucial role in food safety and sustainability. Processing methods such as pasteurization and canning eliminate pathogens, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This is vital not only in conflict zones but also in stable regions, where food safety remains a top concern.
At the same time, their high shelf stability means that UPFs have a role to play in reducing food waste, which is a long-standing and ever-growing issue in Europe and elsewhere. With their extended shelf life, these foods minimize spoilage, making them a more sustainable option in a world where nearly one-third of all food produced is wasted. By preserving seasonal produce and making it available year-round, UPFs also help stabilize food supply chains, reducing reliance on fresh imports and lowering the carbon footprint of food systems.
A Part of the Solution
The debate around UPFs often focuses on their potential health risks, which overshadows their significant benefits. Critics argue that they are overly processed and laden with additives, but this view ignores the diversity within the category. UPFs encompass everything from sugary snacks to fortified cereals and plant-based milk—products that serve a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Demonizing UPFs risks ignoring their critical role in addressing global challenges, from food security in conflict zones to affordability in households. Rather than vilifying these foods, policymakers and health advocates should focus on promoting balanced consumption and better consumer education. UPFs can and should continue to evolve as a safe, accessible, and sustainable part of our diets.
As Europe navigates economic uncertainty and changing lifestyles, the value of UPFs is becoming increasingly clear. They offer affordability, convenience, safety, and sustainability—qualities that make them indispensable in both crisis situations and everyday life. Instead of dismissing them outright, we should embrace their potential to address modern food challenges. In a world where food systems are under pressure, ultra-processed foods are not the enemy. They are part of the solution.
