Minimal processing such as cutting, washing, canning and freezing retains most of the original nutrients, while highly processed foods add ingredients that can alter the nutritional content.

Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, are high in added salt, fat, sugar or preservatives, and we should consume a minimal amount of them to maintain healthy eating habits.

While some minimally processed options remain acceptable in a balanced diet, many ultra-processed foods contain unhealthy additives, preservatives, and sugars that compromise well-being.

Unprocessed and minimally processed foods. These are foods that are in their natural state or barely altered. They include things like carrots, apples, and milk. Processed culinary ingredients.

Minimally processed foods, such as fresh blueberries, cut vegetables and roasted nuts, prepped for convenience. Foods processed at their peak to lock in nutritional quality, including canned ...

Minimally processed foods have a place in healthy diets. For example, low-fat milk, wholegrain or wheat bread, precut vegetables and fresh-cut greens are considered processed foods.