Consumer views on ultra-processed foods Are beans on toast part of a healthy diet?
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background - Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are associated with an increased risk of various health conditions. Young children commonly consume UPF in early childhood and their innate preferences for sweet energy-dense foods and sensory characteristics make them vulnerable to overconsumption and the risk of developing an unhealthy dietary pattern that continues into adulthood. There is limited research investigating how UPF is perceived and understood in New Zealand. This study is the first to explore how New Zealand parent/caregivers understand and identify UPF, and the influence of their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on their acquisition and provision of processed foods. Methodology - Four focus groups were conducted at four early learning centres in Auckland, New Zealand, with 37 parents/caregivers from May to June 2024. A purposive sampling approach was used to provide economic diversity. Qualitative data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. NVivo software was used to analyse themes and subthemes. Findings - Two key themes were identified: 1. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs influence processed food provision, and 2. Micro and macro environments influence processed food provision. Subthemes were organised using an ecological model to illustrate how the participants of the focus groups made decisions regarding processed food acquisition and provision based on multiple levels of influences. Conclusion - This study found that familiarity with UPF was low and assessing foods according to the level of processing was a new paradigm for parents/caregivers. Participants accurately classified all unprocessed/minimally processed and processed food packages but misclassified up to 5 out of twelve UPF packages as processed, of which 4 were grain products. Parents/caregivers had sound knowledge of healthy dietary patterns and how to read a food label to determine the healthfulness of a packaged food. They preferred to offer and consume natural foods and home cooked meals, but identified UPF tastiness, convenience, affordability and food messaging as hindrances to consuming a less processed diet. These findings indicate the need for careful consideration of UPF in dietary guidelines. Food environment policy action is necessary, and further research is required to better understand the mechanisms of UPF and the dietary patterns of the New Zealand population.
Author: Conning, Stacey
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7135511086