Consumption of ultra-processed food products and diet quality among children, adolescents and adults in Belgium

In 2014/2015, 36.4% of foods consumed by Belgian individuals were ultra-processed.

• The usual daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods was 33.3% for children, 29.2% for adolescents, and 29.6% for adults.
• No differences in ultra-processed food consumption were observed between 2004 and 2014/2015.
• Processed meat, cakes, sweet biscuits, and soft drinks were the top contributors to ultra-processed food consumption.
• Lower dietary shares of ultra-processed foods were associated with adherence to WHO recommendations for salt intake and saturated fat.
• Higher shares of unprocessed or minimally processed foods were linked to meeting WHO recommendations for salt and fruit/vegetable intake.

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