UK – A new survey by digital wellness platform Lifesum finds that 68% of UK adults believe ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are negatively impacting their mental and physical well-being. However, most admit they can’t identify UPFs on a label. Some 61% of respondents say defining UPFs is more confusing than doing their taxes.
As scrutiny of the food system grows, there’s increasing pressure on regulators and brands to act. With 77% of survey respondents calling for clearer UPF labelling and many comparing their harmful effects to tobacco, the moment for intervention is now. The opportunity lies in building greater transparency and providing intuitive, science-backed support.
This is precisely what Lifesum is working to address. As explored in New Era Nutrition – LS:N Global’s exclusive interview with founder Marcus Gners – consumers are demanding simplified tools to navigate the noise. Platforms such as Lifesum are positioning themselves not just as calorie trackers, but also as holistic wellness hubs that empower people to make informed, feel-good choices.
Strategic opportunity
Consider how to create and aggressively market products demonstrably free from ultra-processed ingredients, or at least significantly reduced in them. How can you then advertise clear, transparent ingredient lists and marketing that highlights this ‘clean’ aspect?