Miriel
Glossary · Food categories
Ultra-processed food (UPF)
Industrially formulated products containing ingredients you would not find in a home kitchen — emulsifiers, hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, modified starches. Examples: sugary cereal, packaged snacks, soda, fast food. Linked to higher childhood obesity and lower diet quality.
Related terms
Miriel uses this concept across food scans, meal plans, and AI Coach responses where it is relevant to a child's profile. For the underlying clinical and scientific basis, see the research page.