processed food

Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state through methods such as cooking, freezing, canning, or adding ingredients like preservatives, flavors, or colors. These modifications help improve shelf life, convenience, or taste but can also include foods that are heavily engineered with added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats. Examples range from canned vegetables and bread to snack foods and ready-to-eat meals. While some processing is necessary for food safety and preservation, excessive processing can impact the nutritional quality, often leading to higher calorie counts and lower levels of essential nutrients.