Experts Urge More Nuanced Approach to Ultra-Processed Foods, Highlighting Key Differences Between Animal- and Plant-Based Products

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1, 2025 – As global debates around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intensify, new scientific perspectives suggest that not all UPFs should be viewed through the same negative lens. A recent analysis highlighted by The Guardian argues that while certain UPFs do pose health risks, others, particularly plant-based varieties may offer nutritional or metabolic benefits.

Researchers emphasise that animal-derived UPFs, including processed meats, chicken nuggets, sausages, and processed cheeses, show consistent links to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. They note that these risks remain high regardless of other dietary factors or lifestyle patterns.

In contrast, plant-based UPFs such as fortified cereals, canned beans, wholegrain breads, tofu-based products, and some vegetarian meat substitutes, may have neutral or even positive health effects. Evidence suggests that replacing animal-derived UPFs with plant-based alternatives can improve insulin sensitivity, support weight management, and even ease menopausal symptoms. In some large-scale diet studies, plant-based UPFs were associated with lower rates of type 2 diabetes and better cardiovascular outcomes.

Public health specialists warn that the current “avoid all ultra-processed food” messaging may oversimplify a complex issue and risk misleading consumers. Instead, they advocate for a targeted reduction in harmful UPFs, particularly processed meat and dairy products while recognizing that certain plant-based processed foods can play a meaningful role in a balanced diet.

Experts stress that processing itself is not inherently harmful. “The problem is not the fact that a food is processed, but what the food contains and how it affects the body,” they noted. They call for more refined dietary guidelines that distinguish between types of UPFs, rather than grouping them together under one risk category.

As Malaysians continue to navigate evolving nutrition trends, these findings highlight the need for clearer, evidence-based communication about food processing, health risks, and sustainable eating choices.