Tobacco Tactics Resurface in Marketing Ultra-processed Foods

WHO:

The Guardian - Cindy Leung, public health nutrition professor at Harvard; Tera Fazzino, psychology professor and addiction researcher at the University of Kansas; Laura Schmidt, health policy professor at UC San Francisco; Marion Nestle, nutritionist and public health professor emerita at New York University; Lindsey Smith Taillie, nutrition professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. health secretary.

STAT - Kelly Brownell, obesity expert at Duke University; Jennifer Pomeranz, public health lawyer at New York University.

WHAT:

The Guardian - Big tobacco companies used strategies from cigarette marketing to sell ultra-processed food products, including Lunchables.

The Guardian - People with high UPF diets had a 58% higher risk of developing dementia, a 46% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment, and a 47% higher risk of either outcome, according to Cindy Leung.

STAT - A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found broad cross-partisan agreement that ultra-processed foods are addictive and a major cause of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

STAT - The special issue of the American Journal of Public Health includes 17 articles discussing the health impacts of ultra-processed foods.

WHERE:

The Guardian - The press briefing took place at the American Journal of Public Health.

STAT - The survey was conducted across the United States.

WHEN:

The Guardian - Philip Morris acquired Kraft in 1988 and launched Lunchables shortly thereafter.

STAT - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised that the Food and Drug Administration will soon release a formal definition of ultra-processed foods.

WHY:

The Guardian - The strategies used by tobacco companies were aimed at maximizing consumption and retaining customers.

The Guardian - The current administration's policy changes could exacerbate health issues related to ultra-processed foods, according to Marion Nestle.

HOW:

The Guardian - Tobacco companies optimized formulations of carbohydrates and fats for rapid delivery and created products that provide a quick reward to encourage repeat purchases.

STAT - The researchers suggested that litigation from attorneys general at various levels could be an important tool against the food industry.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 06:39 UTC)

A recent press briefing at the American Journal of Public Health revealed that big tobacco companies have employed marketing strategies from cigarette sales to promote ultra-processed food products, such as Lunchables. Research indicates that individuals with high ultra-processed food diets face significantly increased risks of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment, while a nationwide survey shows widespread agreement that these foods are addictive and contribute to serious health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the Food and Drug Administration will soon provide a formal definition of ultra-processed foods, as experts warn that current policy changes could worsen health problems associated with these products.