# Consumer Identification of Processed Foods and Their Health Effects

**Authors:** Neal D. Barnard, Anna Herby, Stephanie McBurnett, Hana Kahleova

PMC · DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.19518 · JAMA Network Open · 2025-07-08

## TL;DR

This study explores how well the public understands processed foods and how they perceive their health effects.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into public awareness and perceptions of processed foods in the US.

## Key findings

- Many consumers struggle to identify processed foods accurately.
- Perceived health effects of processed foods vary widely among participants.
- Educational background influences understanding of food processing.

## Abstract

This survey study assesses public understanding of processed foods and their association with health in a representative sample of the US population.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** colorectal cancer (MESH:D015179), type 2 diabetes (MESH:D003924), diabetes (MESH:D003920), cardiovascular disease (MESH:D002318)
- **Chemicals:** fats (MESH:D005223), corn syrup (-), salt (MESH:D012492), sugar (MESH:D000073893), oils (MESH:D009821), carbohydrates (MESH:D002241)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Canis lupus familiaris (dog, subspecies) [taxon 9615]

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12238891/full.md

## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12238891/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12238891