Dr. Axe
So how can you differentiate between what are processed foods vs what are healthier options on your next trip to the grocery store? The easiest way to get started is by simply looking at the ingredients label.
Unprocessed foods will have just a few ingredients listed, all of which are healthy whole foods, spices and seasonings that you can easily find in the kitchen. Heavily processed foods, on the other hand, are likely to contain an extensive list of ingredients, including food additives, preservatives, synthetic dyes and more.
As a general rule of thumb, try to stick to products with less than five ingredients. While this may not always be a foolproof method, it is typically a good indicator that a food may be minimally processed.
Additionally, steer clear of refined grains such as white bread, pasta and rice and opt for whole-grain varieties instead. Similarly, avoid processed meats like salami, bacon and cold cuts and go for healthier alternatives like grass-fed beef, free-range poultry or wild-caught fish.
Added sugars or artificial sweeteners are also a dead giveaway to help you spot processed foods. Keep in mind that many processed foods also contain added sugars masquerading as health foods, including sweeteners with “natural” names such as cane sugar, brown rice syrup, barley malt, corn syrup and agave nectar.
