Table 2 Food classification based on the extent and purpose of processing [14]

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods

No processing or mostly physical processes used to make single whole foods more available, accessible, palatable, or safe

Fresh, chilled, frozen, vacuum-packed fruits, vegetables, cereals; fresh frozen and dried beans and other pulses; dried fruits, unsalted nuts, and seeds; fresh, dried, chilled, frozen meats, poultry, and fish; fresh and pasteurized milk, yoghurt, eggs, tea, and coffee

Processed culinary or food industry ingredients

Extraction and purification of components of foods, resulting in producing ingredients used in the preparation and cooking of dishes and meals, or in the formulation of ultra-processed foods

Vegetables, butter, milk cream, sweeteners, raw pastas, and noodles; food industry ingredients, such as high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and cosmetic additives

Ultra-processed food products

Processing of a mix of process culinary, or food industry ingredients and processed or minimally processed foodstuffs in order to produce accessible, convenient, palatable, ready-to-eat or to-heat food products with longer shelf life

Breads, biscuits, cakes, and pastries; ice-cream, chocolates, cereal bars, chips; sugared fruits, milk drinks, and other soft drinks; pre-prepared meat, poultry, fish, and vegetable; processed meat including chicken nuggets, hot dogs, sausages, burgers; salted, pickled, smoked, or cured meat and fish; vegetables bottled or canned in brine; fish canned in oil