Ultrprocessed Foods Engineered Like Cigarettes to Hook Consumers, Study Finds
A new study has revealed striking similarities between ultrprocessed foods and cigarettes. Researchers from leading universities found that both products are engineered to maximise addiction. Their findings, published in Milbank Quarterly, highlight how these foods trigger cravings and harm health in ways comparable to tobacco.
The analysis involved experts from the University of Michigan, Duke, and Harvard. They examined how ultrprocessed foods are designed to deliver intense sensory experiences—bright colours, bold flavours, and satisfying textures. Like cigarettes, these products provide quick bursts of pleasure that encourage repeated use.
The study explained that manufacturers use advanced techniques to optimise taste and texture. This ensures rapid digestion and a fast release of substances that trigger cravings. The result is a cycle of consumption that mirrors addiction patterns seen with nicotine.
Researchers noted that both industries employ high-tech methods to make their products irresistible. They also exploit regulatory gaps to avoid stricter controls. The team urged governments to classify ultrprocessed foods as hedonic products—items engineered purely for pleasure, much like tobacco.
Since the report's release, some countries have taken modest steps. Germany's Leopoldina policy brief proposed sugar taxes on high-fat and high-sugar foods. The EU has announced stricter food safety audits for imports by 2026–2027. Yet these measures fall short of the sweeping bans and global treaties that target tobacco, such as the WHO Framework Convention.
The study underscores the need for stronger regulation of ultrprocessed foods. While taxes and import checks are emerging, they remain less comprehensive than tobacco controls. Experts continue to push for clearer definitions and targeted policies to curb the health risks linked to these products.
