About The Authors

January 2026 - Food

One in four UK adults says ultra-processed foods should be banned, according to a new study: A recent survey has revealed that approximately two-fifths (39%) of UK adults would like to see ultra-processed foods (UPFs) banned, and two-thirds (66%) are concerned about their impact on public health.

Conducted on behalf of UK retailer Lakeland, the survey polled a nationally representative sample of 2,014 UK adults between January 2 and January 5, 2026, to assess their views on UPFs and how often they cook from scratch.

Despite warnings from global experts and successive UK governments about the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods — such as ready meals, cereals, and sugary drinks, which are high in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives linked to chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and obesity — only one-fifth (19%) of adults reported cooking from scratch more often, specifically to avoid UPFs.

Unsurprisingly, in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, around six in ten adults (59%) feel that UPFs are unavoidable when shopping on a budget, suggesting that many households view them as a more affordable alternative to freshly prepared meals. The findings also indicate that reliance on UPFs is influenced by other factors. When asked why they did not cook meals from scratch, over two-fifths (44%) of adults cite a lack of time, around a fifth (19%) are worried about the cost and a sixth (16%) believe it is too complicated.

Although it may appear that UK adults are not making sufficient efforts to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods, they are aware of the associated health risks. Two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed believe that UPFs will negatively affect the health of future generations. Additionally, three-quarters (77%) think that schools should do more to educate children about the dangers posed by UPFs and the importance of home cooking. Moreover, the majority of adults (68%) believe that the government’s Food Standards Agency should take stronger action to protect people from these foods, and over three-quarters (77%) would like supermarkets to provide clear warning labels on products containing ultra-processed ingredients.

Other Food Research Findings

Other Latest Market Research Insights