Ultra-Processed Food as Addictive as Alcohol and Tobacco, Especially in Children

Ultra-processed foods hold a hidden addiction, affecting health and strategically targeting children through industry tactics.

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Parents have seen it before: children stashing snack wrappers under their beds or sneaking an extra candy bar. However, recent science suggests this might be more than just youthful mischief.

The Thin Line: Craving Versus Addiction

The occasional craving for a sweet or salty snack is familiar to many. But when does that urge cross into addiction? A comprehensive review of 281 global studies, published in The British Medical Journal, suggests that the line might be finer than we think.

The research used the Yale Food Addiction Scale, developed in 2009, drawing parallels between criteria for substance abuse and food addiction. This tool helps ascertain whether one’s relationship with foods, such as pizza and ice cream, can indeed be classified as an addiction.

The studies uncovered a striking resemblance between the addictive qualities of ultra-processed foods and those of alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco have addiction rates of 14 percent and 18 percent, respectively, and ultra-processed foods match closely, with a 14 percent addiction rate among adults. However, “the level of implied addiction in children is unprecedented,” at 12 percent. That means about 1 in 8 children qualify as addicted to ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods take a heightened toll on those with particular health conditions. A third of people undergoing bariatric surgery for obesity and half of those tackling binge eating disorders grapple with food addiction, the authors wrote.

The Hidden Lure of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, have seamlessly woven themselves into our daily diets. Packed with refined sugars, fats, and an array of additives, they’re designed not just to tempt our taste buds, but also to make us return for seconds, thirds, and more.

Ashley Gearhardt, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, delves into the deceptive nature of UPFs, describing them as more of an “industrial concoction” than food.

“When you look at the back on the ingredient list, it looks more like a chemical science experiment than it does a food,” she said on a podcast. “You don’t really recognize most of what goes into it.”

The allure of UPFs lies in their effect on the brain’s reward system, similar to that of addictive substances. Much like using nicotine, consuming these foods triggers a dopamine rush, fueling a relentless craving for more.

Ms. Gearhardt emphasized the vulnerability of our brains, especially when exposed to these addictive substances at a young age.

“The earlier the exposure, the higher the likelihood of developing problems,” she said.

The analysis underscores the enticing mix of carbohydrates and fats in UPFs. A near-equal ratio, not common in natural foods, supercharges the addictive appeal.

“The combination of refined carbohydrates and fats often found in UPFs seems to have a supra-additive effect on brain reward systems,” the study authors wrote.

Moreover, the speed at which UPFs deliver pleasure is crucial. Designed for quick consumption, they deliver a swift dopamine hit, which is different from the slower nutrient release from minimally processed foods such as nuts, which tempers addictive urges.

The ‘Bliss Point’: The Food Industry’s Crafty Playbook

Behind the scenes of these irresistible snacks is a multi-billion dollar industry, constantly innovating to strike the right balance of sweetness, saltiness, and fattiness—the so-called “bliss point.” This goes beyond mere culinary expertise, it’s a calculated science aimed at heightening our cravings.

Does this strategy ring a bell? It mirrors tactics once used by tobacco companies, from downplaying health risks to zealously targeting the youth. Much like the vibrant tobacco advertisements of the past, food conglomerates today focus on enticing children, ensuring they’re hooked early on.

This similarity may not be merely coincidental. Faced with strict regulations, tobacco firms strategically transitioned into the food sector. Former tobacco giant Phillip Morris pivoted to food, merging Kraft-General Foods and Nabisco to produce well-known brands such as Oreo, Ritz, Betty Crocker, and Oscar Meyer.

A new study sheds light on how, from 1988 to 2001, these companies strategically flooded the market with products rich in fats, sodium, and carbohydrates, enticing consumers with addictive hyper-palatable foods (HPFs).

Study author Tera Fazzino clarified the distinction between ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods. She explains that ultra-processed foods are defined by their extensive industrial processing. On the other hand, hyper-palatable foods create an “exaggerated or artificially rewarding eating experience” through their nutrient combinations.

Ms. Fazzino said that although many ultra-processed foods are hyper-palatable, they are “separable constructs.” Even homemade meals, such as an “omelet with added bacon, cheese, oil, and salt,” can fall into this category.

According to the study, foods from tobacco companies were 29 percent more likely to be high in fat and sodium and 80 percent more likely to contain elevated levels of carbohydrates and sodium than other foods. This trend persists, with the market still flooded with HPFs.

As of 2018, more than 75 percent of U.S. branded foods were identified as hyper-palatable, according to Ms. Fazzino. She suggested that the market’s saturation with these foods results from competitor companies’ strategically reformulating their products.

“Competitor companies likely observed the successes of tobacco brands and reformulated their products to remain competitive,” she said.

This shift coincided with longstanding marketing practices aimed at engaging young consumers. Iconic mascots such as Tony the Tiger have long captured the attention of children. The entry of tobacco firms into the food sector may have amplified such marketing efforts, intensifying the push to attract children through advertising.

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, author of “Ultra-Processed People,” criticized this aggressive marketing aimed at children.

“It should be illegal. It is certainly unethical. It is unquestionably exploitative and predatory,” he told The Epoch Times.

He further emphasized that the driving force behind UPFs is not nutrition, but rather corporate greed.

“The purpose of UPF is to generate financial growth for the shareholders of these companies. This financial obligation is the explanation for why the food is the way it is,” he said.

Ms. Gearhardt said much the same, noting the aggressive marketing toward children.

“It’s not about the calories. It starts to be about hedonics, pleasure, and emotional regulation, from a very young age,” she said.

Are You Addicted?

Wondering whether your relationship with food is a casual fling or something more concerning? The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) can help you answer that question.

This 25-question survey is designed to identify signs of potential food addiction, focusing on symptoms such as uncontrollable cravings, withdrawal, and continued consumption despite negative consequences. Questions such as “In the last 12 months, has overeating caused problems with family or friends?” offer insights into your eating habits.

The YFAS isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tailored versions such as the YFAS-C cater to children with age-appropriate queries, and the updated YFAS 2.0 aligns closely with the latest criteria for substance dependence.

In today’s world, where indulgence often tiptoes into addiction, these tools empower us with self-awareness. Armed with insights into industry tactics and personal vulnerabilities, we can navigate food choices more wisely.