Explainer | A guide to processed foods, what to avoid and how to tell which can be eaten as part of a healthy diet, according to a doctor and a dietitian
- As prices go up, more of us are turning to processed foods as a convenient and affordable meal option, and the best part is that they’re not all unhealthy
- From how to decipher ingredient labels to the types of additives to avoid, here are some tips from a doctor and a dietitian for buying healthy processed foods
Post-pandemic stresses on supply chains have pushed food prices up. That means many of us are looking to save money by cooking meals at home instead of dining out, and relying more on processed foods – which are generally easier to prepare and cheaper than their fresh counterparts.
But what exactly qualifies as processed food, and why are ingredients processed in the first place?
According to Cyrus Luk Siu-lun, a dietitian and executive committee member of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association, processed food is any raw agricultural product that’s been washed, cleaned, milled, cut, chopped, heated, pasteurised, blanched, cooked, canned, frozen, dried, dehydrated, mixed or packaged.
It is also those foods to which preservatives, flavours, nutrients, salt, sugar, fat and/or other food additives have been added.
The reasons behind processing include eliminating unhealthy microorganisms, extending shelf life, ensuring availability throughout the year, and enhancing flavour.
All this may sound a little unhealthy, but there’s good news for those who want to continue cooking with, or simply can’t live without, moreish processed foods: they’re not all bad for you.
