Background: Over time, there have been significant changes in the dietary patterns of the Chinese population with the emergence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Methods: To ascertain the changes in UPFs intake among adults in southern China, over the past two decades, the study included residents aged 18 years and older who participated in the China National Nutrition Surveys in Guangdong province in 2002, 2012, and 2022. Dietary intake data were collected via three-day 24 h dietary recalls and weighing household foods and condiments. The recorded dietary data were classified according to the NOVA classification system, and the percentage of total energy derived from each food group was calculated.
Results: From 2002 to 2022, there was a notable increase in the consumption of UPFs among adults in Guangdong Province, with the percentage of UPFs intake rising from 0.88% to 8.52% (p-value < 0.001). This growth was especially pronounced among specific population groups, including the young, the better educated, and those living in highly urbanized areas. The largest increase in energy intake from UPFs was observed among students, from 0.42% to 17.26% (p-value < 0.001). The nutrient contents of UPFs in Guangdong in 2022 were found to contain a markedly higher calculated percentage of calories provided by carbohydrates in comparison to minimally processed foods (56.6% vs. 43.8%) as well as in sodium (749 mg/100 kcal vs. 29 mg/100 kcal).
Conclusions: Given the increasing consumption of UPFs and the growing evidence linking these products to chronic diseases, it is important to promote healthy food intake and balanced diets through active nutritional education campaigns to prevent potential health risks that may arise.
Keywords: China National Nutrition Surveys; adults; consumption; nutrient; ultra-processed foods.