Researchers analyzed the eating habits of nearly 200,000 individuals, discovering that vegetarians consumed 1.3 percentage points more ultra-processed foods compared to meat eaters. For vegans, the difference was marginally smaller at 1.2 percentage points. The study concluded: “This UK-based study found higher UPF consumption in vegetarian diets and lower in diets with a modest amount of meat or fish.”

While such foods are engineered for convenience and appeal, they are often criticized for their health implications. A previous study linked high consumption of plant-based UPFs to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, further complicating the narrative that all plant-based diets are inherently healthier.

when well-planned, offer significant health benefits, including reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers. Conversely, high red meat consumption has been strongly associated with heart disease, cancer, and premature death. However, researchers note that the health risks of meat consumption are often tied to processed products rather than high-quality, unprocessed meat.

The ultra-processed food industry, much like tobacco and alcohol sectors, has faced growing scrutiny from researchers and advocates calling for stricter regulations. A recent study published in Health Promotion International highlights the tactics employed by these industries to undermine public health initiatives, silence advocates, and delay regulatory measures.

“Public discreditation, followed by legal threats and action, complaints, and Freedom of Information Requests were most frequently mentioned and often attributed to health-harming industries.”

Evans-Reeves further explained that language used to discredit public health advocates often includes inflammatory and derogatory terms such as “zealots” or “extremists.” These attacks, though damaging, rarely deter researchers from continuing their work. “The dominant narrative was of perseverance,” she said, noting that most researchers remained committed to their advocacy despite facing public and legal challenges.

The coalition’s letter also emphasized the financial risks associated with an over-reliance on unhealthy product sales. The letter cited a study projecting that the global obesity epidemic could cost the economy $4 trillion annually by 2035, a figure comparable to the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Beyond economic risks, investors argue that failing to act on this issue exposes companies to reputational harm and regulatory scrutiny.