Marlana Malerich is the Co-Founder and Sustainable Food Systems Researcher at the Rooted Research Collective (RRC). Marlana, poised to begin her PhD at Sussex University, has spent the last six months focused on ultra-processed foods and plant-based meat alternatives. She joins the show to unpack the complexities of defining and understanding ultra-processed foods through systems like NOVA and Nutri-Score.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The NOVA nutritional framework vs the Nutri-score system
• The history behind hyper palatability of ultra-processed foods – and its link with tobacco companies
• Issues with moisture sorting affecting shelf life and texture
• Pros and cons between plant-based and animal-based products
• Balancing your diet while navigating the complexity of food classification systems

Jump to:

(03:50) Negative effects of globally distributed junk food.

(08:18) Focus on alternative proteins, and challenges with food advertising.

(11:07) Media focusing on ultra-processed foods labeling.

(14:38) Ultra-processed foods are designed for overconsumption.

(20:07) Plant-based options vary in nutrition quality.

(23:39 Reminding myself to appreciate being here alive.

(26:50) Featured artist and song

(29:09) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Deep Mind by ROBMON

Links mentioned in this episode:

‘Nutrition and health. The issue is not food, nor nutrients, so much as processing’ by Carlos A Monteiro

‘The Impact of Transnational ‘‘Big Food’’ Companies on the South: A View from Brazil’ by Carlos A Monteiro

‘Ultra-processed foods: how functional is the NOVA system?’ by Véronique Braesco, et al
'Hyper-Palatable Foods: Development of a Quantitative Definition and Application to the US Food System Database' by Tera L. Fazzino

Is the Ultra-processed Food (UPF) concept useful, and for what goals?

‘Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses’ by Melissa M Lane et al

‘Food Politics’ by Marion Nestle

Alabora (Foxall Pale Blue Remix) by Beyhude, music was chosen by Marlana Malerich

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD