Big tobacco uses cigarette playbook to help sell ultra-processed foods, journal reveals

TL;DR

Big tobacco companies, including RJ Reynolds and Philip Morris, have used the same strategies to sell ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as they did for cigarettes.
These strategies involve optimizing product formulations for rapid delivery and maximizing "hedonic impact" to encourage repeat consumption.
UPFs are linked to various health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and cognitive decline, with studies showing a higher risk of dementia in those with high UPF intake.
Brands like Lunchables were developed using psychological research and tactics to appeal to children's desires for independence and play.
The "light" and "reduced-fat" product strategy, initially used to retain smokers, has also been applied to UPFs.
Concerns are raised about government policies, such as corn subsidies and attempts to reduce SNAP enrollments, that may exacerbate the UPF problem.
Experts credit movements like Maha for shifting blame from personal responsibility to the food industry's role in marketing UPFs, especially to children.

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