Thousands of people are dying in the UK every year due to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), a study has found.

The new study has shown a link between the consumption of these foods and the increased risk of a premature death.

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 28 (UPI) -- A study released Monday links a total of more than 124,000 preventable, premature deaths in the United States over two years to adverse health affects from consuming ultra-processed foods.

New figures show thousands of people are dying prematurely as a result of eating UPFs - but not all are bad for you

As you add more ultraprocessed foods to your diet, your risk of a premature death from any cause rises, according to a new meta-analysis of research involving more than 240,000 people.

A study analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals' total energy intake.

A 2025 study of nearly 60,000 US households found that almost half of grocery purchases were ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with major disparities based on income, education, and race. Non-Hispanic white households led in UPF purchases, especially in beverages, reversing earlier trends.

Eating just 10% more ultraprocessed food ups your risk of premature death from any cause by nearly 3%, a new study says.