Study of 200,000 Adults Finds Nutrient Density Outweighs Processing in Protein Bars
Updated
Updated · Outside · Aug 17
Study of 200,000 Adults Finds Nutrient Density Outweighs Processing in Protein Bars
1 articles · Updated · Outside · Aug 17
Summary
More than 200,000 U.S. adults tracked from 1984 to 2021 showed similar health benefits from healthy diets whether foods were ultra-processed or minimally processed.
Wang’s team grouped diets by overall quality and processing level, finding healthy ultra-processed eating linked to 14% lower heart-disease risk, 33% lower diabetes risk and 11% lower mortality.
Healthy minimally processed diets posted comparable results—18% lower heart-disease risk, 34% lower diabetes risk and 7% lower mortality—suggesting nutrient quality mattered more than processing alone.
Protein bars, whole-grain cereals, fortified plant milks and canned beans can fit a healthy diet if they deliver protein, fiber and whole-food ingredients while keeping added sugar, sodium and saturated fat low.
The findings challenge blanket warnings against ultra-processed foods and shift the focus toward overall diet quality, convenience and ingredient composition.