How unhealthy ultra‑processed foods are designed and marketed to make us crave them
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Consumption of ultra-processed foods – including soft drinks, snacks and ready meals – is growing worldwide, despite evidence they are unhealthy.

![It’s not just cookies and buns, ultra-processed foods come in many forms. Many common "healthy" or convenient foods are actually ultra-processed, containing industrial ingredients and additives not used in home cooking. Surprising examples include packaged breads, flavored yogurts, plant milks, protein bars, margarine, and breakfast cereals. These items are often high in salt, sugar, and fat while designed for high palatability. [Photo: Daisy Daisy /adobe.com] BUN AND COOKIE](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/ultra_processed.jpg?itok=-fIvXPOW)
![Daniel Elisara Helsham, Director of the American Samoa Department of Agriculture, will give the keynote speech at the 84th ASCC Commencement Ceremony, which takes place on Friday, May 15th. Helsham is an ASCC alumnus and long-serving former employee of the College's ACNR/ Land Grant Division. [Courtesy Photo] Daniel Elisara Helsham](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/daniel_headshot.jpg?itok=dkTWvn9s)






