Frequently Asked Question
HealthUltra-processed foods (UPFs) and “junk-food veganism”
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
UPF intake is associated with worse health outcomes in many studies, and this can apply to both plant- and animal-sourced UPFs. A vegan diet built mostly from ultra-processed foods is not equivalent to a whole-food vegan diet.
Evidence Summary
- Umbrella reviews link higher UPF intake with increased risk across multiple outcomes (observational).
- Plant-sourced UPFs may also associate with cardiometabolic risk; more research is developing. Evidence quality: Moderate (mostly observational) Limitations / nuance: UPF definitions vary; causality not fully established. Bottom line: Vegan ≠ healthy by default; prioritize whole/minimally processed plants where possible.
Supporting Evidence
Sources:
- BMJ. Umbrella review on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and health outcomes (). (2024)
- Lane MM, et al.. Ultra-processed food and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review. (2024)
- Feinberg A, et al.. Ultra-processed foods from plant and animal sources and all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality (2025)
- Association Between Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- Plant-based diets and risk of disease mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Sources:
- BMJ. Umbrella review on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and health outcomes (). (2024)
- Lane MM, et al.. Ultra-processed food and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review. (2024)
- Feinberg A, et al.. Ultra-processed foods from plant and animal sources and all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality (2025)
- Association Between Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- Plant-based diets and risk of disease mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies