NZ imports of unhealthy ultra-processed foods have risen sharply since 1990 – new study

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Over the past three decades, New Zealand’s imports of “ultra-processed” foods and drinks increased significantly, from 16 kilograms per person in 1990 to 104 kilograms in 2023.

Our research shows the share of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in New Zealand’s total food and drink imports rose from 9% in 1990 to 22% in 2023.