States Take Action Against Ultraprocessed Foods: A New Push for Healthier Diets

States are taking steps to limit ultraprocessed foods, driven by a new push from the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This movement, part of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, aims to address what Kennedy calls a childhood chronic disease crisis. The focus is on foods high in added sugars, chemical additives, and saturated fats, which lack essential nutrients like fruits and vegetables. The lack of a clear, uniform definition for ultraprocessed foods has led to confusion. Despite this, states are not waiting for federal action and are introducing their own legislation. In 2025, 35 states introduced over 90 bills related to ultraprocessed foods, with 10 becoming law. This shift is notable, especially in red states where such initiatives were previously uncommon. Critics argue that restricting SNAP benefits to exclude ultraprocessed foods could increase food insecurity and administrative burdens. They point out that the main barriers to healthy eating for SNAP users are price, transportation, and access to cooking supplies. The food and beverage industry also opposes these restrictions, stating they create headlines rather than solutions. The debate over ultraprocessed foods extends to their health impacts. While studies show a correlation between these foods and chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease, causation is not proven. Experts argue that focusing on nutritional value rather than processing methods might be more effective.