Ultra-processed foods are not more appealing, study finds

Ultra-processed foods make up more than half the average diet in the UK and US. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Ultra-processed foods are viewed as no more appealing than less processed foods, research has found.

A University of Bristol study compared the taste perception of different food types to test the theory that calories and level of processing are key factors influencing how much we like and desire food.