Consumers are still worried about ultra-processed foods. UPFs were one of the highest causes of consumer concern in a recent survey by the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), being beaten only by food prices. The FSA surveyed consumers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How significant are consumer concerns around UPFs?
More than three quarters of those asked in the survey pointed out UPFs as a concern. The current report covered the period between April 2024 and March 2025, but for UPFs, levels have remained broadly stable since July 2023.
In the period covered by the report, between 76% and 78% of respondents were consistently worried about ultra-processed or over-processed foods. In fact, more consumers were worried about UPFs than about the healthiness of diets in general (71-75%).
The only food-related concern that was higher than those around UPFs was that around food prices (86% - 88%).
Close to three quarters were concerned about ingredients or additives in food, a proportion which this year overtook concerns around animal welfare (68% - 72%) as the fifth most common food concern.
As the survey progressed, consumer concerns around ingredients and additives steadily increased.
Which consumers were most concerned about UPFs?
Concerns around UPFs were not uniform across demographics – in fact, the concerns of older consumers were much more significant.
Around 82% of those over 55 were concerned about UPFs, while for those aged 16-34, it was only 72%.
Education also mattered quite significantly. Eighty-three percent of those with a degree or higher were worried about UPFs, compared with only 68% of those with only a GCSE (UK secondary school qualification).