Heart Health

New online tool ranks processed foods

Research we're watching

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
Illustration of an assortment of packages for various kinds of processed foods, including candy, cookies, chips, crackers, and cheese.

Developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School, the database provides nutrition facts and ingredient information on more than 50,000 processed foods available at Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. Ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as well as additives and preservatives. Products are divided into 42 separate categories, such as crackers and mixed snacks; yogurts; prepared meals and dishes; and soft, energy, and mixed drinks.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss is the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter. Before working at Harvard, she was a medical writer and editor at HealthNews, a consumer newsletter affiliated with The New England Journal of Medicine. She … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of Christopher P. Cannon, MD

Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Christopher P. Cannon is editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter. He is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and senior physician in the Preventive Cardiology section of the Cardiovascular Division at … See Full Bio
View all posts by Christopher P. Cannon, MD

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