576: The ultra-processed food debate - beyond the noise

Why has the ultra-processed food (UPF) debate reached fever pitch, yet seems stuck in an endless loop of confusion?

Despite evolving beyond its initial black-and-white framing, the conversation continues to generate more heat than light. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, our expert panel cuts through the misinformation to explore what's really driving public concern about food processing.

From the challenges of science-led communication in an influencer-dominated landscape, to exploring why the NOVA classification system struggles with nuance, our guests reveal the practical realities facing both consumers and food manufacturers.

The panel also tackles the emerging disruption of GLP-1 drugs and their potential to reshape food consumption patterns, questions whether retailers have gone too far with ingredient reduction, and explores why default healthy options at accessible price points might be the only equitable solution.