Indulging in a bowl of ice cream is a common guilty pleasure, but a new study from Bristol University’s Nutrition and Behaviour Group suggests that whole foods like apples are just as appealing. The study, reported by the Guardian, aimed to challenge the assumption that people are more drawn to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) compared to other options.
The research involved 224 volunteers who evaluated photos of 52 different types of foods, ranging from avocados and grapes to ice cream and muffins. The participants rated each food based on their desire to eat it and its flavor profile. Surprisingly, the results showed that people didn’t desire UPFs any more than lesser-processed or wholly unprocessed foods.
Lead author professor Peter Rogers, as per Neuroscience News, stated, “Our results challenge the assumption that ultra-processed foods are ‘hyperpalatable’ and it seems odd that this has not been directly tested before.” People most preferred foods with a balance of carbohydrate and fat content and higher taste intensity, while foods high in fiber ranked lowest.
In addition, the Guardian reports that UPFs now make up more than half of the US and UK diets and have been linked to health risks, including heart disease and certain cancers. Despite this, certain UPFs, such as cereals and breads, can still contribute to a healthy diet. The Nutrition and Behaviour Group plans to further investigate how we perceive calories and fullness across different types of foods and cuisines.
