Processed foods are products manufactured with the addition of salt, sugar, oil or vinegar in order to make them durable and more pleasant to the taste. This addition of other substances makes them nutritionally unbalanced. Therefore, its consumption should be limited to small quantities, considering that high consumption leads to the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations typically made with five or more ingredients, generally nutritionally poor and rich in calories, sugar, fat, salt and chemical additives, with enhanced flavor and a longer shelf life. They can promote the occurrence of nutritional deficiencies, obesity, heart disease and diabetes. They must be avoided.
Source: Food guide for the Brazilian population. 2nd ed. Brasília: Ministry of Health, 2014 https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/guia_alimentar_populacao_brasileira_2ed.pdf