Ultra-processed foods in Canada: consumption, impact on diet quality and policy implications

Commissioned by Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, this report reveals that ultra-processed food products amount for almost half of the dietary energy consumed by Canadians. It describes different types of food processing using the ANOVA food classification system, and assesses the relationship between types of processing and the quality of diets in Canada, using data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey – Nutrition.

This report recommends that its findings should be incorporated into Canadian dietary guidelines and public policies and actions designed to create and maintain healthy food systems and supplies for all Canadians.