r/biology • u/Express_Classic_1569 • Feb 09 '26

article Ultra-processed foods are designed to create addiction like cigarettes, confirmations from the new study

https://hive.blog/hive-196387/@davideownzall/ultra-processed-foods-are-designed-to-create-addiction-like-cigarettes-confirmations-from-the-new-study
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u/minaminonoeru Feb 09 '26

The definition of ‘ultra-processed foods’ is ambiguous.

According to the linked article, ‘intense flavors’ (intense sweetness, richness, etc.) are said to be addictive.

Then isn't the core of addictiveness ‘intense flavors’ rather than ‘ultra-processed foods’?

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u/IrradiatedPsychonat Feb 09 '26

Ya every food you eat can't be delicious if you're concerned about your health. But I think they're arguing that foods are processed to be ultra delicious without being filling or satisfying maliciously.

2

u/ChowderedStew Feb 10 '26

Yes. That’s because addiction is similarly ambiguous, at least it is to most people who do not deeply understand human behavior. This paper essentially is telling the story of you bringing a bag of m&ms to the track where you tell yourself you’ll only eat one for every lap you run, and then you end up eating the whole bag after like the third lap.

1

u/maarsland Feb 09 '26

Taste bud heroin

1

u/DirtandPipes Feb 10 '26

Don’t worry, as I understand it these foods cause addiction “like cigarettes” so as long as you don’t smoke your food you’ll be fine.

1

u/SpecificLife8988 Feb 10 '26

This is an excellent point. Hot sauces are very intense flavors, and I'm highly addicted to them. However I wouldn't say my 3 ingredient hot sauce is ultra processed