UKRI has commissioned deliberative public dialogue exploring people’s views on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

The year-long project will explore some of the complexities around how people view UPFs, look at their place in our food system and at their governance and regulation. It will also explore where people get their information from and who they trust.

Research has revealed that people are increasingly eating foods high in fats, sugar and salt as well as UPFs, and this has been linked to rising rates of obesity and poor health. The UK population ranks among the worst in Europe for levels of obesity and is one of the biggest consumers of UPFs. Tackling obesity and related poor health is a challenging issue, and understanding the role of UPFs in dietary choices and ill health is a major part of this.

The dialogue aims to ensure that future research into UPFs will better respond to peoples’ experiences and priorities. It will help UKRI to identify and address gaps in existing knowledge and then develop research priorities.  The results will be made available to government and wider stakeholders with the aim of contributing to the development of dietary and health policy.

The public dialogue started in January and findings will be reported once it has concluded in a year’s time.