Well-Fed become first food company in Europe to eliminate Ultra-Processed Foods

When we published our Good: Removing Ultra-Processed Food report last year, we vowed to remove all Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) from our meals by the end of 2023. And we are proud to announce we are the first food company to do so – not just in the UK, but in Europe.

As a socially conscious food company, it’s our job to lead the way when it comes to improving people’s health. Whether you use our Meals on Wheels, school catering or our mobile shop services, our aim is to feed everyone well. Our #ZeroUPF commitment has taken over nine months of R+D and hard work to achieve.

Industrially manufactured to be convenient and cheap, UPF food, like breakfast cereals, processed meats, carbonated drinks and mass-produced bread, typically contain five or more preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial colours and flavours – all of which cause long-term damage to our health.

With recent reports revealing that around 60% of calories consumed in the UK come from UPF, a regular diet of UPF increases a person’s risk of:

• Cancer by 10%
• Dementia by 26%
• Alzheimer’s by 14%
• The chances of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and early death by 26%

Niki Keegan, Business Development Manager at Well-Fed says, “As a good food manufacturer we are proud to be the first company in Europe to go UPF free. Our aim is that regardless of income and ability, people can embrace wholesome eating and effortless cooking, making mealtimes happier and healthier for everyone. Being the first company to do something is not easy – it has taken us months to confirm and agree ingredients with Open Food Facts, scientists and nutritionists. But we hope our experience can help other food businesses now, and demonstrate that this change is not just possible, but essential and urgent.”

Robbie Davison, Well-Fed’s Director, adds: “We have learnt that, if you focus on the health and taste of the eater, much better food arrives as a result. Our meals not only taste better now, but they are the same price to produce – or even cheaper in some cases. If we can do it, every food company can do the same.