Here, we know what makes good food good
UCL researchers are building the evidence base we need to reverse the health emergency being driven by ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption
Ultra-processed food products are the primary cause of a health emergency. In the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada 25% of children at the age of 10 live with diseases related to these products.
But UPF doesn't just make us sick, it makes us poor. Estimates of the cost of diet-related disease in the UK and USA dwarf the tax revenue the industry creates.
Help us tackle ubiquitous UPFs
Talk to us about supporting our work on UPF and food systems – advancement@ucl.ac.uk
Donate todayUCL researchers are at the forefront of global UPF research. Our work has transformed the international narrative on UPF and integrates clinical trials, behavioural interventions, epidemiology and policy research to identify causal links between UPF and health, and levers for policy action.
Already UCL has led the first UK study on UPF intake in toddlers and children; conducted big data studies on UPF and adult health outcomes; pioneered work on UPF nutritional characteristics and hyper-palatability; and delivered the first UK behavioural programme helping adults reduce UPF intake.
By expanding this work and establishing a new cohort study at UCL, we can unravel more aspects of UPFs’ impacts on human health and accelerate our work to address the public health emergency we now face. Clinicians will be able to give evidence-led dietary advice and provide evidence-led behavioural support sooner. And government bodies will be able to deliver evidence-led regulation on UPF exposure.
How UCL research on UPF is already making an impact:
Shifted global health agenda
Our research underpinned the Lancet UPF Series and ranked among the top 0.001% of papers ever published for impact.
Informed international policy
In the UK we have submitted oral evidence in parliament and to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, and National Institute for Health and Care Research, undertook a review of UPF policies globally, commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer, and presented to senior government officials and food industry leaders.
Reached millions worldwide
Featured in documentaries, podcasts, and books, including the international bestseller Ultra Processed People, amplifying public awareness and driving demand for change.
Help us tackle ubiquitous UPFs
Talk to us about supporting our work on UPF and food systems – advancement@ucl.ac.uk
Donate todayExplore campaign themes
Here, we unlock the secrets of life and the universe
From the origins of disease to the origins of life; from the fundamental laws of physics to the fundamentals of the human mind, UCL is discovering the answers to the universe’s long-held secrets.
Here, we build a healthier planet for healthier people
We’re facing an unprecedented tide of public health challenges. At the heart of this is a broken connection with our extraordinary natural world and an urgent need for repair.
Here, we transform the world through technology
From AI and machine learning to quantum, medical and sustainable technologies, UCL is developing technologies that science fiction only dreamed of – to transform all our lives for the better.
Here, we elevate the arts and humanities
UCL has always placed the arts and humanities at the centre of what we do. This helps us to understand our behaviour, innovate and tackle complex issues in society.
Here, we nurture inclusive communities
Here at UCL, we want to strengthen our abilities to understand one another, so we can build and nuture inclusive communities – now and long into the future.
Here, we live our founding values
For 200 years, we have kept our founding values alive. This has made UCL the diverse, globally leading, multidisciplinary force that it is today.