Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are heavily altered industrial products that contain added fats, sugars, starches, salts and chemical additives such as emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners.
Examples include soft drinks, candy, ice cream, packaged snacks, frozen pizza, chicken nuggets and processed meats.
During manufacturing, many nutrients are removed, leaving foods that are very different from their original form. These products often include ingredients the human body has not historically encountered.
Today, UPFs make up 50 per cent of the average adult diet in Canada, with Canadian kids consuming even more.
Previous research has shown that people who eat large amounts of ultra-processed foods are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
A person has metabolic syndrome if they have a large waist circumference plus two or more of the following: high blood triglycerides (blood fats), high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose and low HDL (good) cholesterol. The condition is thought to double the risk of heart attack and increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes by fivefold.
High consumption of UPFs has also been linked to elevated levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation considered to be a strong predictor of heart attack and stroke. Until now, however, limited data have directly examined whether higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Why the link to heart disease matters now
As ultra-processed food consumption continues to rise and cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in North America and worldwide, understanding any connection between the two has become increasingly important.
Insights into this relationship could influence how doctors advise patients and how public health policies are shaped to protect broader populations.
The latest evidence
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University investigated this possible link using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Their findings suggest that high consumption of ultra-processed foods may carry serious cardiovascular consequences.
How the study was conducted
The research team analyzed NHANES data from 4,787 adults aged 18 and older collected between 2021 and 2023.
Participants documented everything they ate and drank over two days, allowing researchers to calculate what percentage of each person's total calories came from ultra-processed foods. Using a validated and widely used food classification system, individuals were then divided into four groups based on their level of UPF intake, ranging from lowest to highest.
They also provided information about whether they had ever experienced a heart attack or stroke.
Nearly 50% greater risk of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease was defined as a self-reported history of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers accounted for factors such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, smoking status and income. The average participant age was 55 years, and 55.9% were women.
After these adjustments, individuals in the highest group of ultra-processed food consumption had a statistically significant and clinically important 47 per cent higher risk of cardiovascular disease
The researchers note that growing awareness of the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods may follow a pattern similar to tobacco in the last century.
Just as it took decades for the dangers of smoking to become widely accepted, reducing reliance on UPFs may take time.
This is partly due to the influence of large multinational companies that dominate the food market. In addition, many people face limited access to healthier food options, underscoring the need for broader public health solutions.
"Addressing UPFs isn't just about individual choices -- it's about creating environments where the healthy option is the easy option," said the researchers. "Clinical guidance and public health education are necessary to make nutritious foods accessible and affordable for everyone."
The researchers also point to rising rates of colorectal cancer in the United States, especially among younger adults. Many of the risk factors for colorectal cancer overlap with those for cardiovascular disease, including dietary patterns.
Guidance for patients and doctors
While large scale randomized trials are still needed to confirm these findings, the researchers emphasize that health care providers can act now.
They recommend advising patients to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods alongside other proven lifestyle changes and appropriate medical therapies.
Source: The American Journal of Medicine, January 23, 2026.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.