Even cockroaches can’t survive on ultra-processed foods, according to a new study in Scientific Reports1. Researchers found that a diet rich in ultra-processed food increased mortality in lobster cockroaches by 1.5 times as compared to a non-processed diet or a mixed diet of both ultra-processed and unprocessed foods.
For the study, the lab maintained a breeding colony in a laboratory for 11 years. The cockroaches were divided into three groups, each of which was fed a different diet. Cockroaches fed an unprocessed diet enjoyed apples and potatoes; the ultra-processed group ate apple-flavored Sour Punch Straws and Lay’s potato chips. The mixed group had a mix of both types of food.
The results? Cockroaches fed an ultra-processed diet had a significantly higher mortality rate of 47% compared to 20% for those fed unprocessed diets and 23% for those on mixed diets.
“Our results add evidence to the negative impacts of these food types, even in a species that eats human-derived food and is considered ‘indestructible,’” wrote the authors.
The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
Several recent studies have showcased the health hazards of ultra-processed foods in humans, with a 2024 review of 45 meta-analyses showcasing their link to a range of health conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, asthma, depression, anxiety, and all-cause mortality2.
Certain ultra-processed foods have also been linked to unique health hazards. Ultra-processed meats, for example, have been classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen, a classification shared by tobacco and alcohol. Consuming diet soda has been linked to negative repercussions on the gut microbiome, which may impact immune function, nutrient absorption, and heart health3. Potato chips like the ones that the cockroaches were fed in the study could also lead to increased risk of cancer due to the presence of acrylamide, a contaminant that forms as the result of roasting, toasting, or frying certain foods4. All the more reason to make your own homemade potato chips whenever possible!
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods, Really?
Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of the total calories people in the United States consume. By some estimates, nearly 75% of the American food supply is made up of ultra-processed foods5. But not all ultra-processed foods are created alike.
The category of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was first defined by the Nova food classification system, which distinguishes UPFs from processed foods like jam, pickles, or canned fruits by zeroing in on the presence of one or more ingredients that wouldn’t be found in a kitchen, like chemical-based preservatives, emulsifiers like hydrogenated oils, sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors and flavors6. Most of these foods are energy-dense and high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt, which is part of what makes them so appealing. They are also typically low in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which contributes to their health risks.
How to Identify Which Processed Foods Are Healthier Than Others
According to Johns Hopkins University, however, this definition means that the umbrella of ultra-processed foods includes everything from processed meat and soda to instant oatmeal and jarred pasta sauces7. There’s a wide spectrum of foods underneath that umbrella, and some of these foods might not be quite as worrisome from a health perspective, especially if consumers are attentive to reading labels.
Convenient processed foods like jarred pasta sauce or fiber-dense SunChips can be a good “sometimes food” when you’re strapped for time. When choosing which convenience foods to keep on your shelf, keep an eye on added sugars, ensuring that these are minimal and come from natural sources like cane sugar or maple syrup. Choose foods that have minimal added salt, and opt for items that are high in fiber, which help keep you fuller longer. Rotating a few of these foods into your daily routine alongside whole foods can be a great way to marry healthy living with realistic lifestyle needs.
Sources:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-70733-w_reference.pdf
- https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31315227/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3778518/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-37457-1
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10260459/
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