Big tobacco uses cigarette playbook to help sell ultra-processed foods, journal reveals
A recent issue of the American Journal of Public Health highlights the similarities between the marketing strategies of big tobacco and those used to promote ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These strategies, which include optimizing product formulations for rapid consumption, have been linked to various health risks, including cognitive decline. Experts emphasize the need for awareness of these tactics as they relate to children's food products like Lunchables.
- ▪Big tobacco companies have applied their cigarette marketing strategies to sell ultra-processed foods.
- ▪Research indicates that high consumption of UPFs is associated with increased risks of dementia and cognitive impairment.
- ▪Products like Lunchables were developed using techniques derived from tobacco marketing to appeal to children's psychological needs.
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The parallels between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and cigarettes include how UPF products were formulated and marketed to drive excess consumption. Photograph: Irina Marwan/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe parallels between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and cigarettes include how UPF products were formulated and marketed to drive excess consumption. Photograph: Irina Marwan/Getty ImagesUltra-processed foodsBig tobacco uses cigarette playbook to help sell ultra-processed foods, journal revealsNew issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on parallels between marketing for cigarettes and UPFsHannah Harris GreenWed 3 Jun 2026 08.26 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 08.28 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe new issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
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