Where are we heading? The rise of ultra-processed foods at home

According to the latest comparative data in Hungary, ultra-processed foods account for approximately 21 percent of store purchases. This is a significantly more favorable ratio compared to Western European countries, where these products often account for half of household consumption. However, this does not mean we can relax. The presence of ultra-processed foods in our diet still has a serious impact on our health, eating culture, and our relationship with the environment. The issue, therefore, is not just how much ultra-processed food we consume, but also how it changes our relationship with what we take into our bodies every day. In terms of purchases, Hungary is among the better-positioned countries on the continent: the proportion of ultra-processed foods remains below 25 percent. This is a favorable picture at first glance, as in many Western countries, more than half of households obtain their energy from such products. However, it is important to emphasize: the data do ...