processed food

noun

UK /ˈprəʊ.sest fuːd/

US /ˈprɑː.sest fuːd/

Food that has been changed in a factory before you eat it.

Chips and cookies are kinds of processed food.

SYNONYMS

packaged food factory food convenience food manufactured food

RELATED WORDS

preservative additive packaging fast food junk food

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Food that has been canned, frozen, or dried to make it last longer.

Canned beans are a simple processed food you can keep in the cupboard.

3. Food with extra ingredients like sugar, salt, or chemicals added.

Too much processed food can have lots of salt in it.

4. Any food changed from its natural state, even lightly.

Milk that has been heated to keep it safe is a lightly processed food.