A new CDC study reported by CNN shows that ultra-processed foods make up over half of Americans’ daily calories, nearly 62% for youth and 53% for adults. While intake has dipped slightly in recent years, most of what we eat is still engineered for convenience over real, clean nutrition. JECA is setting the bar higher, offering whole-food energy you can trust in a world dominated by processed choices.
What Counts as Ultra-Processed Food & How Does it Negatively Impact Health?
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially made products rarely found in a home kitchen. Think candies, chips, sweet baked goods, frozen meals, sugary drinks, and fast food. They often contain additives like high-fructose corn syrup, emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial flavorings to boost taste, extend shelf life, or improve texture.
High UPF consumption is linked to serious health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. On average, people who eat more UPFs consume about 500 extra calories a day, partly because these foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, making it easy to overeat.
How JECA Aligns with Better Nutrition
A recent Consumer Reports evaluation of 31 energy bars confirms the importance of clean ingredients, suggesting consumers choose bars with fewer than 7 g of added sugar, real sources of protein like nuts and seeds, and fiber from whole grains. Our bars check all those boxes.
At JECA Energy Bars, we believe in nutrition that sticks to real, whole-food ingredients, without excessive processing or artificial additives. Our bars are made with clean, recognizable ingredients that support steady energy, satiety, and overall well-being, without the hidden calories, fillers, or chemical additives common in ultra-processed snacks.
While the CDC’s data shows our collective diets still lean heavily toward ultra-processed choices, it also gives hope that we’re starting to shift. And JECA wants to be part of that positive change. We’re committed to providing clean, honest, whole-food fuel that keeps you going without compromising your health.
