Should People With Diabetes Avoid Processed Foods

What is the difference between processed and ultra-processed foods?

Processed foods are those that have undergone any changes to their natural state. This includes cutting or chopping, cooking or blanching, pasteurizing, canning, freezing or drying. Processed foods are more nutrient-dense than ultra-processed and usually have few or no additives.

Ultra-processed foods are those that have also undergone changes to their natural state, but have many added ingredients such as preservatives, artificial flavours and colours, thickeners or food stabilizers. Salt, sugar, starch and fat are also common added ingredients in ultra-processed foods.

What are examples of processed and ultra-processed foods?

Processed foods include:

• Jams and jellies
• Pickles and olives
• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Frozen fruit and vegetables
• Canned tuna and salmon
• Homemade whole wheat bread
• Corn flakes and shredded wheat cereals
• Olive oil and butter
• Vinegar