Convenience often shapes our food choices. Busy lives can lead us to rely on snacks and ready-made meals. For years, those options have mainly been ultra-processed foods—affordable, shelf-stable, and widely available.
However, experts warn that ultra-processed foods may bring hidden risks, much like tobacco and opioids did in the past. A recent report from Moody’s highlights emerging health concerns linked to these foods. Research suggests that they may play a role in chronic diseases and early-onset cancers. This shifting understanding poses new challenges for the insurance industry, which has usually focused on risks related to food contamination and recalls.
Interestingly, a CDC study from August 2025 found that children consume around 62% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods. This alarming statistic raises questions about long-term health effects, particularly in younger populations.
Often, these foods are marketed to seem appealing, especially to children. Bright packaging and catchy slogans make them seem fun. Yet, as more studies connect ultra-processed foods to health issues, lawsuits are starting to emerge. Initial legal actions are testing whether the links between these foods and health risks can lead to accountability.
Historically, the insurance world viewed food-related risks through a narrow lens. They focused on immediate concerns like contamination rather than the long-term health impacts of what we consume. But as medical research continues to evolve, this view may no longer hold true. It suggests that insurers need to adapt and recognize the potential long-term consequences associated with ultra-processed foods.
The term “ultra-processed food” gained traction with the Nova food classification system introduced in 2009. This system categorizes foods based on their level of processing: from unprocessed items like fresh fruits to processed ingredients like oils and sugars, and finally to ultra-processed products that often contain additives.
As the landscape of food consumption evolves, it’s crucial to understand the implications of what we eat. The historical parallels to tobacco and opioids serve as a reminder that our food choices can have far-reaching effects on health and the economy. Staying informed can help us make better choices for ourselves and for future generations. For more in-depth information, check out the CDC’s findings here.
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