Meal-Specific and Qualitative Patterns of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adults with Food Addiction and Excess Weight: A Secondary Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence suggests that individuals with food addiction (FA) consume more ultra-processed foods (UPFs), but gaps remain regarding which types and at which meals. This study compared the types of UPFs consumed and the meals with the highest UPF density between individuals with and without FA. Food intake was assessed via 24 h dietary recalls, and foods were classified via the NOVA system and disaggregated into subgroups. FA was identified using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0. Linear regression compared UPF consumption between groups, adjusted for confounders. A total of 144 participants were analyzed, and 26 (18%) met the criteria for FA. In multivariable analysis, the FA group had a higher UPF energy contribution (in %kcal) than those without FA (28.30% vs. 22.30%; p = 0.02), and a lower consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods (47.40% vs. 54.40%; p = 0.03). Higher consumption of ultra-processed sweets and confectionery (10.39% vs. 4.18%; p = 0.001) and greater UPF intake as part of the afternoon snack (8.34% vs. 4.67%; p = 0.005) were also observed in the FA group. UPF consumption differed between groups. Individuals with FA showed a sweets-dominant, meal-specific pattern with a higher intake of ultra-processed sweets and confectionery, concentrated during the afternoon snack.