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While U.S. adults report a high level of awareness of the term "ultraprocessed foods," most do not fully understand what the term refers to, according to recent public opinion research commissioned by the American Heart Association. The findings reinforce the need for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to release the long-awaited federal definition of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs).

A national survey of just over 2,000 U.S. adults conducted this summer by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association found that the majority (90%) of U.S. adults have heard of ultraprocessed foods, but only just over a third (35%) say they are very or extremely familiar with the term. Yet over seven in 10 (72%) say they are confident that they can identify whether a food is ultraprocessed, and two-thirds (66%) believe they could explain the term to someone else.

The findings reveal a gap between consumer awareness of the term and deeper familiarity and understanding at a time of unprecedented attention to the impact of ultraprocessed foods on public health.

To address this gap, the Heart Association is urging OMB to release the proposed federal definition of UPFs without further delay. A clear federal definition would inform research and establish a more consistent and common framework for discussions about nutrition and health.

S. Department of Agriculture requested public input to help inform a proposed federal definition of UPFs .

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