I have been studying and following the NOVA Classification for food processing for several years. I believe we will see much more of it in the future. I subscribe to the definition of UPF as follows 1. the food comes in a package: plastic, tin, cardboard, Styrofoam, etc. 2. contains at least one ingredient the cannot be found in a typical grocery store. Below is NOVA 1 - 4.
What Is the NOVA Classification System?
The NOVA classification system groups foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing, and places them in one of four categories.
Group 1 - Minimally Processed Foods and Unprocessed Foods: Naturally occurring foods with no addition of salt, sugar, oils or fats. Examples include milk, meat, eggs, fish, poultry, plain unsweetened yogurt, beans, fresh, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables, oats, grits, pasta, rice.
Group 2 - Processed Culinary Ingredients: Food products from Group 1 that have been processed by pressing, refining, grinding and/or milling; they are used in home and restaurant kitchens to prepare, season and cook Group 1 foods. Examples include vegetable oils, butter, vinegar; salt, sugar and molasses from cane or beet; honey extracted from combs and syrup from maple trees.
Group 3 - Processed Foods: Food products made by adding sugar, oil and/or salt to create simple products from Group 1 foods with increased shelf life or enhanced taste. Examples include canned vegetables, fruits and beans; some salted or sugared nuts and seeds; salted, cured or smoked meats; canned fish; fruits in syrup; cheese and freshly made bread.
Group 4 - Ultraprocessed Foods: Industrially created food products made with the addition of multiple ingredients that may include some Group 2 ingredients as well as additives to enhance the taste and/or convenience of the product, such as hydrolyzed proteins, soy protein isolate, maltodextrin, high-fructose corn syrup, stabilizers, flavor enhancers, non-sugar sweeteners and processing aids such as stabilizers and bulking and anti-bulking agents. Examples include commercially produced breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, breakfast cereals, soy burgers, hummus, tofu, baby formula, protein powder, flavored yogurts, ready-to-heat meals (like frozen pizza), soft drinks and candy.