(P05-013-25) Ultra-Processed Food Consumption by NOVA Classification in Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Households: NHANES 2001-2018

Objectives: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continue to dominate the U.S. food system, contributing to excessive caloric intake and obesity. Immigrants often transition from traditional diets to industrialized food environments, increasing their risk of chronic diseases. This study analyzes NOVA-classified food consumption trends among U.S. immigrant and non-immigrant households.

Methods: This study analyzed NHANES data from nine cycles (2001–2018) in adults (≥20 years), using day 1 24-hour diet recall. The NOVA system categorized foods into 4 processing levels: unprocessed/minimally processed, culinary ingredients, processed foods, and UPFs. Outcomes included the percentage of energy by NOVA group, stratified by immigration status. Trends were assessed using survey-weighted linear regression and subgroup differences with paired t-tests.

Results: UPFs contributed a high proportion of energy intake, ranging from 55% in 2001-02 to 58% in 2017-2018. Non-immigrants consumed a higher proportion of energy from UPFs than immigrants across all demographic and socioeconomic groups and cycles. Among Immigrants, U.S. residency (2001–2018) ≥20 years was linked to higher proportion of energy intake from UPFs (p = 0.001), with no significant associations for those in the US < 20 years. Overall, from 2001 to 2018 non-immigrants consumed 12.7% more energy from UPFs than immigrants (p < 0.001). Across cycles (2001–2018), older adults (p < 0.001), college graduates (p < 0.001), and married or cohabiting individuals (p < 0.05) consumed fewer ultra-processed foods, while food insecurity (p < 0.001), lower education (p < 0.05), and larger household size (p = 0.029) were associated with higher intake. Among non-immigrants, pizza subtype had the greatest increase in consumption (+74.69 kcal, p < 0.001) from 2001 to 2018, while for immigrants, it was cakes, cookies, and pies (+41.61 kcal, p < 0.001). In both groups, there was a significant reduction in soft drink consumption (-57.27 kcal, p < 0.001 and -99.31 kcal, p < 0.001 for immigrants and non-immigrants respectively).

Conclusions: Non-immigrants are consistently consuming a high UPF diet, while immigrants retain more traditional diets. However, high UPF intake in both groups calls for public health efforts to improve access to affordable minimally processed foods.

Funding Sources: N/A