Are Additives REALLY to Blame for the Risks of Ultra Processed Foods? (You Might be SHOCKED)

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, we’re back with Part Two of our ultra-processed foods deep dive, exploring why certain ultra-processed foods may make us eat more, even when their nutritional profiles look similar. We unpack the science behind food texture, eating speed, energy density, and satiety, including clinical trials showing how simple changes to food structure can dramatically impact calorie intake. Plus, we explore the food matrix, why whole almonds and almond butter deliver different amounts of usable energy, and whether additives and preservatives are really to blame for overeating—or if something else is going on. Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode: Can Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Health Without Extra Calories? Why Food Texture Matters More Than You Think How Slower Eating Reduced Calorie Intake by 369 Calories The Connection Between Eating Speed, Energy Density & Overeating What Is the Food Matrix & Why Does It Matter? Whole Almonds vs. Almond Butter: Why Calories Aren't Equal How Food Processing Changes Calorie Absorption The Surprising Role of Your Gut Microbiome The Real Problem With Ultra-Processed Foods How to Make Healthier Choices Without Avoiding Processed Foods 👩🏼‍💻 RESEARCH LINKS: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03842-0 https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(25)00360-2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916525007105 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40516651/ https://pubs.rsc.org/fo/article/7/10/4231/524424/Food-processing-and-structure-impact-the https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10232526/ #ultraprocessedfoods #processedfoods #weightloss #guthealth #nutrition #dietitian #foodscience If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started at https://learn.nocd.com/BITEBACK If you or someone you love might be struggling with an eating disorder, don't wait to get help. Visit http://equip.health/biteback to learn more — DISCLAIMER:The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider. If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com. — 📚 GRAB MY BOOK: The Hunger Crushing Combo Method ⤵️ Learn how to reach your healthiest weight without dieting using evidence based nutrition strategies. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0306836793?tag=hacboogrosit-20 More purchase options: https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/hunger-crushing-combo/ 🎙 LISTEN TO BITE BACK WITH ABBEY SHARP ⤵️ Real conversations about nutrition, wellness, diet culture, parenting, and the biggest food debates. https://lnk.to/Bite-Back?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Follow Bite Back on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you're enjoying the show, leaving a rating or review really helps support it! ✉️ SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER https://abbeyskitchen.myflodesk.com/kd6ijl0y3e 🥞 FREE Hunger Crushing Combo™ E-Book https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/hunger-crushing-combo/ 💪 FREE Protein 101 Guide https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/protein-intake-recommendations/ 📖 MY FIRST COOKBOOK: The Mindful Glow Cookbook Amazon: https://amzn.to/2nev0lf 👩🏼‍💻 COACHING: 🍽️ Feeding Kids Without Diet Culture Webinar Raise confident eaters without food battles, guilt, or diet culture. https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/coaching/ 📈 Business Coaching Build and grow your online brand with proven social media and business strategies. https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/coaching/ 🤝 Personalized One-on-One Coaching Tailored support for content creation, business growth, podcasting, AI, brand partnerships, and more. https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/coaching/ 📱 FOLLOW ME @AbbeysKitchen Instagram: www.instagram.com/AbbeysKitchen TikTok: www.tiktok.com/AbbeysKitchen Facebook: www.facebook.com/AbbeysKitchen Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/AbbeysKitchen 🌐 VISIT MY WEBSITE Healthy recipes, nutrition resources, parenting advice, and evidence based articles. https://www.abbeyskitchen.com 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below with your thoughts and let me know what you'd like to see next! With Science & Sass, Xoxo Abbey 🌸 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices