What are processed foods?

Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state in order to increase their shelf life, flavor, or convenience. They often contain additives like sugar, salt, and preservatives to enhance their taste and appearance.

Examples of processed foods

• Canned fruits and vegetables with added sugar and preservatives
• Frozen dinners with added salt and preservatives
• Soda and other sugary drinks
• Processed meats like sausage and bacon

Synonyms and antonyms of processed foods

Synonyms: packaged foods, convenience foods, ready-to-eat foods

Antonyms: whole foods, fresh foods, unprocessed foods

Related terms

• Ultra-processed foods - Foods that are heavily processed with multiple ingredients and often high in sugar, salt, and fat.
• Minimally processed foods - Foods that have been processed in some way for safety reasons but remain close to their natural state.

Other terms often confused with processed foods

Artificial foods, which are foods that contain artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. While some processed foods are artificial, not all artificial foods are processed.