A growing trend towards food products with fewer ingredients, driven by concerns over ultra-processed food (UPF), is influencing retailers and brands. M&S launched its 'Only' range with six or fewer ingredients, catering to consumers like Kerry Clayton with allergies, despite higher prices. While some brands like THIS are adapting with 'Super Superfoods' ranges, nutritionists like Dr. Laura Wyness and Dr. Jibin He caution against equating fewer ingredients with healthier, arguing that processing is essential for food safety and supply, and that UPF is a flawed concept for health assessment.
Should you be eating food products with fewer ingredients?
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A growing trend towards food products with fewer ingredients, driven by concerns over ultra-processed food (UPF), is influencing retailers and brands. M&S launched its 'Only' range with six or fewer ingredients, catering to consumers like Kerry Clayton with allergies, despite higher prices. While some brands like THIS are adapting with 'Super Superfoods' ranges, nutritionists like Dr. Laura Wyness and Dr. Jibin He caution against equating fewer ingredients with healthier, arguing that processing is essential for food safety and supply, and that UPF is a flawed concept for health assessment.
Trending- 1 2023: Dr. Chris Van Tulleken released his book 'Ultra-Processed People'.
- 2 Over the past year: Increased retailer enquiries for fewer-ingredient products.
- 3 March 2025: M&S launched its 'Only' range.
- 4 Recently: THIS launched its 'Super Superfoods' range; 3Bears launched its low-ingredient breakfast cereals.
- New product lines in supermarkets focusing on fewer ingredients
- Higher prices for some low-ingredient products
- Ongoing debate among nutritionists and consumers about food processing and health
- Some consumers avoiding certain meat replacement products due to perceived processed nature
What: A trend is emerging for food products with fewer ingredients, influenced by consumer concerns about ultra-processed food (UPF). Retailers like M&S are launching such products, but experts are debating whether fewer ingredients necessarily equate to healthier food.
When: M&S launched its 'Only' range in March 2025. Dr. Chris Van Tulleken's book was released in 2023. Matthew Hopkins observed a 40% increase in retailer enquiries over the past year.
Where: United Kingdom (implied by mentioned retailers and locations like Kent, Harrogate, London, Edinburgh, Teesside).
Why: Growing consumer demand for simpler ingredient lists due to concerns about UPF. Food brands are responding to market trends and consumer hesitation regarding processed foods.
How: Retailers are launching new product lines (e.g., M&S 'Only'). Food brands are simplifying formulas and introducing new ranges (e.g., THIS 'Super Superfoods'). Marketing efforts are being used to promote these products (e.g., Harry Kane for 3Bears).