Improving health is the top reason Americans would cut ultra-processed foods

Nov 14–20, 2025 · n = 1,000 · MoE ±3.2%Source report ↗

Core finding

When asked why they would or would not cut back on ultra-processed foods, nearly six-in-ten Americans (58%) point to improving their overall health, more than any other reason, according to a November 2025 Verasight survey.

Four-in-ten (40%) name losing or managing weight, and 23% would cut back to save money. The pull runs the other way for others: 21% say they crave these foods or find them hard to give up, and 17% enjoy them and don't want to cut back.

Selected responses

Improving health is the top reason Americans would cut ultra-processed foods.

What are the main reasons you would or would not want to cut back on ultra-processed foods?

To improve my overall health
57.7%
To lose or manage weight
40.1%
To save money
23.2%
I crave these foods or find them hard to give up
21.0%
I enjoy these foods and don't want to cut back
17.1%
Because of a specific health issue
15.7%
None of the above
9.1%
I don't think they are unhealthy
6.0%

n = 1,000 · Nov 14–20, 2025 · MoE ±3.2%

Respondents could select more than one option, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
ModeVerasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
PopulationUS adults age 18+
Field datesNov 14–20, 2025
Base (unweighted)1,000
Margin of error±3.2%
ModuleModule 1
SponsorVerasight
Weight variableweight
Weighting targetsage, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

Sources

  1. 01

    What are the main reasons you would or would not want to cut back on ultra-processed foods?

    reports.verasight.io/r/verasight-apha-2025

Cite this question

Verasight APHA Omnibus Survey #2025-148, fielded November 14-20, 2025, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.2%.