There are multiple levels of food processing. Nova defines 4 groups (https://world.openfoodfacts.org/nova https://world.openfoodfacts.org/nova): 1. Unprocesse

There are multiple levels of food processing. Nova defines 4 groups (https://world.openfoodfacts.org/nova https://world.openfoodfacts.org/nova): 1. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods 2. Processed culinary ingredients 3. Processed foods 4. Ultra-processed foods Research shows that ultra processed foods are usually linked with worse health outcomes. That doesn't mean that every single ultra processed food is bad, but it's enough to be cautious about it. It's better to buy minimally processed food, and cook it.