Perceptions of Ultra-Processed Foods, Food Processing, and Food Healthfulness among a Cross-sectional National Sample of US Adults: Do Perceptions Align with the Evidence?

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate how perceptions of ultra-processed foods and their healthfulness align with scientific evidence among US adults.
• Conducted a cross-sectional survey of a national sample of US adults.
• Assessed perceptions of ultra-processed foods and overall food healthfulness.
• Evaluated the impact of educational efforts and food labeling on consumer understanding.
• Found significant gaps between consumer perceptions and scientific evidence regarding food healthfulness.
• Revealed a need for enhanced educational initiatives to improve consumer awareness.
• Indicated that food labeling might play a critical role in shaping perceptions.