Unpacking Nova: The Origins and Future of Ultra-Processed Foods | Carlos Monteiro, MD, PhD

What is the definition of an ultra-processed food (UPF), and where did the concept originate? Why is the Nova classification system both a groundbreaking public health tool and a source of intense debate? And how can we use this framework to build healthier food systems around the world?

In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Carlos Monteiro, the Brazilian epidemiologist who coined the term "ultra-processed food" and developed the revolutionary Nova classification system, joins Ty for a timely discussion. Recorded on the day of its release, they break down the new Lancet series on UPFs and human health, which Dr. Monteiro co-authored.

Dr. Monteiro shares the fascinating story of how observing Brazil's rapid rise in obesity led his team to identify a new category of foods—not just "junk," but sophisticated, engineered formulations designed to replace traditional diets. We delve into the most common critiques of the UPF concept, including the heterogeneity of the category and the challenges of identification, and Dr. Monteiro offers sharp, evidence-based rebuttals. He also outlines a pragmatic path for policy, explaining why solutions must be tailored to a country's stage of dietary transition and why we cannot rely on industry-led reformulation.

Highlights from the episode include:

• The origin story of the Nova classification system and its core principles
• A direct response to the major scientific and industry-led criticisms of the UPF concept
• Why comparing individual UPFs in observational studies is flawed—and what the evidence shows
• Practical, simplified markers for identifying UPFs in policy (think: flavors, colors, and artificial sweeteners)
• Key takeaways from the new Lancet series on ultra-processed foods and human health
• The critical difference between promoting traditional diets in some countries and rebuilding entire food systems in others
• The parallel between the UPF dietary pattern and the celebrated Mediterranean diet pattern
• Why mobilizing civil society is key to countering corporate power and passing effective policies

Dr. Monteiro brings five decades of epidemiological expertise to one of the most critical issues in modern nutrition, making a powerful case that addressing the ultra-processing of our food supply is essential to combating diet-related disease globally.

Find the new Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health online at The Lancet. Connect with Dr. Carlos Monteiro on X.

Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.