Doctors Group Praises American Heart Association Statement “Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Poor Nutritional Quality”

The American Heart Association today released a report pointing out that while most ultra-processed foods (UPFs) common in U.S. dietary patterns are unhealthful, not all UPFs are of poor nutritional quality. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health advocacy nonprofit, supports this more nuanced approach to UPFs and agrees with the report’s recommendation for research to, “refine dietary guidance to discourage excessive consumption of nutrient-poor UPFs.”

“We are pleased to see the AHA point out that there are healthful and unhealthful UPFs,” says Noah Praamsma, MS, RDN, Nutrition Education Coordinator at the Physicians Committee. “There are actually many healthful UPFs that reduce risk of disease and tend to have one thing in common: They are derived from plants. Breakfast cereals, plant-based milks (like soy milk and oat milk), many breads, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, and plant-based meat substitutes can belong in a healthy diet, especially if they replace animal products.”

A recent BMC study showed moderate consumption of muesli and bran cereal correlated with reduced mortality risks related to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In plant products like cereals, processing is sometimes done specifically for health reasons: The addition of vitamins and minerals. Folate fortification, for example, is considered one of the great public health wins of the last few decades. Breakfast cereals and plant-based milks are excellent sources of vitamin D and other nutrients and relied on by many Americans.

“The term ‘ultra-processed food’ is a shortcut term that misses a lot of nuance. Most importantly, it distracts the public from the problems of meat and dairy products,” Praamsma adds. “Choosing a veggie burger instead of a beef burger is a healthful choice.”

The AHA’s report and recommendations could not come soon enough. A recent national survey conducted by Morning Consult found that 39% of respondents to an online poll incorrectly said all processed foods are unhealthy. This new research was published July 8, 2025, in JAMA Network Open. When asked which foods increase type 2 diabetes risk, 51% cited sugar, 19% said desserts, and 7% said carbohydrates, in general — all inaccurately.

Studies show it is processed meat consumption that is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, not plant-based ultra-processed foods, which are associated with reduced risk of these conditions. A Harvard University study showed that frequent processed meat consumption was associated with a 44% increased risk of diabetes, while consumption of ultra-processed cereals had the opposite effect—a 22% reduction in diabetes risk.

“It’s important that health organizations make their guidance very clear to consumers. Only a third of Americans report regularly reading food labels, so telling people avoid UPFs high in saturated fat, sugar, sodium, and calories may not be realistic guidance,” said Praamsma. “A more helpful approach would be to clearly name the culprits: Processed meat and sandwiches, frozen meals, and other foods that contain them.”