"USDA Scientists Develop Nutrient-Rich Menu with Minimal Ultra-Processed Foods"

Scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center have demonstrated that it is possible to create a healthy diet with 91% of calories coming from ultra-processed foods while still following the recommendations from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The study highlights the versatility of using these guidelines in constructing healthy menus and suggests that the nutrient content and food group placement are more important than the extent of food processing. The researchers used the NOVA scale to classify foods, and the menu they created included ultra-processed foods such as canned beans, instant oatmeal, and whole wheat bread. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential health outcomes associated with ultra-processed products.