Percepción sobre el consumo de alimentos procesados y productos ultraprocesados en estudiantes de posgrado de la Ciudad de México

Dietary patterns have migrated from traditional foods to processed foods and ultra-processed products. The aim of this study was to explore the perception of processed and ultra-processed foods products among postgraduate students in Mexico City. This was a cross-sectional study; 10 interviews were made to postgraduate male students from 25 to 32 years in a public university of Mexico City. After the interview, a quantitative test with images was made to assess if participants could classify foods according to the processing level. The interviews were analyzed quantitatively using grounded theory. The present study suggested that postgraduate male students have a negative perception about processed foods in general; besides, it was observed that participants were confused when classifying foods according to their processing level. Nutrition education campaigns about the processing level of foods will likely help consumers making informed and healthier food choices.