50/100

Food

Ultra-Processed Food

Moderate burden — Ultra-Processed Food adds a moderate, reducible exposure.

Packaged snacks, sodas, ready meals.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
4
Everyday exposure
7
Persistence
3

Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 50 places ultra-processed food in the Moderate band. It scores as it does mainly because of how much everyday contact it involves. Carries additives, emulsifiers, and packaging-derived compounds, and displaces the fiber and phytonutrients your detox pathways rely on.

Cleaner swap → Whole, minimally processed foods.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is ultra-processed food a toxic exposure?

Ultra-Processed Food has a Detox Score of 50 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Carries additives, emulsifiers, and packaging-derived compounds, and displaces the fiber and phytonutrients your detox pathways rely on.

What is a safer alternative to ultra-processed food?

A lower-exposure swap for ultra-processed food is: Whole, minimally processed foods. Carries additives, emulsifiers, and packaging-derived compounds, and displaces the fiber and phytonutrients your detox pathways rely on.

Lower-exposure choices

89
Cruciferous VegetablesMinimal · Food
86
Filtered Black CoffeeMinimal · Food
79
Small Oily Fish (Sardines)Low · Food

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