Over the past three decades, New Zealand has witnessed a dramatic increase in the importation of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with figures soaring from 16 kilograms per person in 1990 to 104 kilograms in 2023. This significant rise highlights a growing dependency on these commercial food products, which now constitute 22 percent of the nation’s total food and drink imports, up from 9 percent in 1990.
The medical journal The Lancet defines UPFs as “branded, commercial formulations made from cheap ingredients extracted or derived from whole foods, combined with additives, and mostly containing little to no whole food.” These foods, including soft drinks, snacks, and ready meals, are increasingly under scrutiny for their health and environmental impacts.
Health Risks and Environmental Impact
Diets rich in UPFs are linked to a multitude of serious health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, depression, and even premature death. The environmental toll is also significant, with UPFs relying heavily on plastic packaging and consuming substantial water and energy during production.
New Zealand’s lack of a national nutrition survey since 2008 means the exact consumption levels of UPFs are unclear. However, comparisons with countries like Australia and Canada suggest that UPFs could account for about half of the population’s energy intake.
Economic and Historical Context
The rise of UPFs in New Zealand can be traced back to global market trends over the past 70 years. Initially developed as military rations during World War II, UPFs have become ubiquitous, driven by marketing strategies pioneered by US tobacco companies. These companies applied their expertise in flavor enhancement and child-focused marketing to create highly palatable products designed for overconsumption.
New Zealand’s food market underwent significant changes following the neoliberal reforms of the 1980s and early 1990s, transitioning from a highly regulated system to one more open to international imports and investments. The establishment of the World Trade Organization in 1995 further accelerated this trend, allowing for a greater influx of foreign food products, including UPFs.
Current Trends and Future Implications
In 2023, New Zealand imported nearly 21 kilograms of industrial sugar sweeteners per person, in addition to 47 kilograms of regular cooking sugar. These imports coincide with a sharp rise in obesity rates, suggesting a potential correlation between UPF consumption and public health issues.
Experts recommend dietary patterns rich in whole or minimally processed foods, predominantly plant-based, with limited added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. However, New Zealand’s food environments are increasingly dominated by UPFs, exacerbated by social and economic factors like food insecurity and the high cost of whole foods.
Policy Recommendations and Challenges
Efforts to reverse these trends require comprehensive policy interventions. A 2023 progress report criticizes successive New Zealand governments for failing to implement recommended policies to regulate unhealthy food products, emphasizing the need for mandatory regulations to curb unhealthy food marketing, particularly to children.
Proposed measures include a levy on sugary drinks and mandatory targets for reducing salt and added sugar in processed foods. However, these interventions must be part of a broader strategy to make healthy, whole foods more accessible and affordable.
Each of these steps could significantly reduce UPF consumption if implemented as part of a cohesive policy package aimed at fostering healthier food environments in New Zealand.
“About 70 percent of packaged food in New Zealand supermarkets is ultra-processed. Meanwhile, 18 percent of premature death and disability is linked to unhealthy diets and excess weight.”
The challenge remains substantial, but with targeted policies and public awareness, New Zealand can work towards a healthier future, reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods and mitigating their adverse effects on health and the environment.
