Processed Foods Aren’t the Enemy: Why They Can Support a Healthy Diet

caitybwellness
Jun 12
2 min read

Do you eat processed foods? Good. Keep doing that.

Let’s clear something up - being healthy doesn’t mean avoiding all processed foods, cooking every meal from scratch, or giving up anything that comes in a packet. In fact, some processed foods can actually support a healthy diet.

Here’s how 👇

Some processed foods are fortified with key nutrients

Many everyday foods are processed on purpose—to improve their nutritional value.

Bread fortified with folate helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy.
Dairy-free milks fortified with calcium are essential for those who don’t consume dairy.
Iodised salt helps prevent iodine deficiency (which can affect thyroid function).

These aren’t “junk foods”—they’re smart additions to your diet.

Some processed foods help with performance

If you exercise regularly, processed carbs can be your friend—especially pre- or mid-workout. They’re:

Quick to digest
Easy to carry
A fast source of energy

Think: sports drinks, pikelets, or lollies before a long run. It’s not about being “clean,” it’s about fuelling your body effectively.

Some processed foods are just convenient—and that matters

Let’s be real, most people don’t have the time (or desire) to make their own bread, cereal or pasta from scratch every week. Processed foods:

Make meals faster and easier
Reduce food waste
Fit into busy lifestyles

A can of chickpeas or a pre-washed bag of spinach can mean the difference between ordering takeaway or throwing together a quick, balanced meal.

So... Should You Eat Processed Foods?

Not all processed foods are created equal and no one’s saying you should build your whole diet around instant noodles and energy drinks. But completely avoiding processed foods is often unrealistic and, for most people, unnecessary. Instead of obsessing over whether something is “clean,” focus on whether it’s practical, nutritious, and supports your goals.