TABLE 2.
Categories of processed foods as proposed by the International Food Information Council1
| Type of food | Examples |
| Foods that require processing or production (also called “minimally processed”) | Washed and packaged fruit and vegetables; bagged salads; roasted and ground nuts and coffee beans |
| Foods processed to help preserve and enhance nutrients and freshness of foods at their peak | Canned tuna, beans, and tomatoes; frozen fruits and vegetables; puréed and jarred baby foods |
| Foods that combine ingredients such as sweeteners, spices, oils, flavors, colors, and preservatives to improve safety and taste and/or add visual appeal; does not include “ready-to-eat” foods listed below | Some packaged foods, such as instant potato mix, rice, cake mix, jarred tomato sauce, spice mixes, dressings and sauces, and gelatin |
| “Ready-to-eat” foods needing minimal or no preparation | Breakfast cereal, flavored oatmeal, crackers, jams and jellies, nut butters, ice cream, yogurt, garlic bread, granola bars, cookies, fruit chews, rotisserie chicken, luncheon meats, honey-baked ham, cheese spreads, fruit drinks, and carbonated beverages |
| Foods packaged to stay fresh and save time | Prepared deli foods and frozen meats, entrées, pot pies, and pizzas |
1
Reproduced with permission from reference 24 (www.foodinsight.org/understandingourfood.aspx).