Big Food vs. Health: A Battle for America

Woman examining a bottle in a grocery store

Federal health authorities now warn that more than half of Americans’ daily calories come from ultra-processed foods, fueling a crisis that threatens both public health and traditional values of personal responsibility.

Story Snapshot

CDC confirms 55% of U.S. calorie intake comes from ultra-processed foods, with children consuming nearly 62%.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launches federal campaign targeting food industry practices and calling for dietary reform.
Policy debates intensify as industry lobbying clashes with efforts to regulate labeling, marketing, and school nutrition standards.
Experts link high ultra-processed consumption to rising chronic disease and declining family health, sparking calls for stronger intervention.

CDC Data Reveals Nation’s Heavy Reliance on Ultra-Processed Foods

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a comprehensive report on August 7, 2025, showing that 55% of Americans’ calories now come from ultra-processed foods. The study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2021 and 2023, highlights the highest consumption rates among children—nearly 62%—while adults consume about 53%. Top sources include burgers, pizza, sweet bakery items, savory snacks, and sweetened drinks. This marks a slight decrease from previous years, but the rate remains alarmingly high for a nation already struggling with obesity and chronic disease.

Ultra-processed foods are defined as industrial formulations packed with sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and additives, with little to no whole foods. These products became staples in American households throughout the late 20th century, as food manufacturers capitalized on consumer demand for convenience and cost savings. Aggressive marketing—especially to children and low-income families—helped entrench these foods in daily life. While older CDC data showed even higher rates (66% for children in 2017–2018), the current levels still place the U.S. among the world’s top consumers, with significant implications for national health and economic stability.

Federal Push for Reform Faces Industry Resistance

In the wake of the CDC’s findings, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has intensified a federal campaign to curb ultra-processed food consumption, framing the crisis as a threat to American well-being. Kennedy’s initiative includes pushing for a clear federal definition of “ultra-processed food,” stricter labeling requirements, and limits on marketing to children. However, these efforts have run into significant resistance from the powerful food industry, which wields economic and political influence in Congress and beyond. Despite industry pledges to reformulate products, critics argue these measures have been limited in scope and effectiveness, prompting calls for greater government intervention and accountability.

Federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, along with public health experts, emphasize the link between ultra-processed food consumption and the nation’s rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As policy debates escalate, the tension between public health goals and industry interests raises questions about government overreach, personal choice, and the role of federal power in everyday American life. These debates are not just about health—they reflect deeper concerns about the erosion of family values, self-reliance, and the integrity of the food supply.

Health Consequences and Impact on Conservative Values

The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods are substantial. Nutritionists and public health researchers have long warned that these products contribute to chronic conditions that strain families and the healthcare system. Experts describe the current consumption levels as “excessive” and “concerning,” recommending that only about 10% of daily calories come from such foods. The disproportionate impact on children and low-income communities underscores the urgency of reform, as these groups face heightened risks and fewer healthy alternatives. While some in the industry advocate for incremental changes, critics argue that voluntary measures are insufficient to address a problem of this scale.

For conservatives, the debate around ultra-processed foods is not only about health—it is about defending family integrity, individual freedom, and American resilience. The ongoing federal push for regulation, though rooted in public health, raises legitimate fears of government overreach and loss of personal agency. At the same time, unchecked industry practices threaten the nation’s well-being and the values that sustain strong families. As the administration, Congress, and advocacy groups continue to battle over policy, the stakes for America’s future—both physical and moral—remain high.