A recent investigation by Callahan, a nutrition and health reporter for The Times, explores the significant rise of ultraprocessed foods in the United States. The four-month project delves into how these products, initially marketed for their convenience and affordability, evolved into a public health concern.
The report examines the unique historical factors contributing to the U.S.'s high consumption of ultraprocessed foods, tracing their widespread adoption back to the 1950s. It highlights the role of early technological advancements, such as the ubiquity of television, in creating new avenues for food marketing that targeted consumers. The article also touches upon the reporter's research methods and personal reflections on her findings regarding grocery shopping habits.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/insider/ultraprocessed-food-junk-history.html