Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

A three-decade surge in how much unhealthy food we eat.   New research from Auckland University, published in the Globalisation and Health journal, shows New Zealand's imports of ultra-processed food increased from 16 kilograms in 1990, to 104 in 2023.   Past studies show about 70% of packaged food in our supermarkets is ultra-processed.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Ryan Bridge it's often disguised.   She says it's canned food, crackers, and biscuits that are presented with a health claim.  Kids are also feeding into unhealthy food branding, Hart saying products are designed to catch their attention.   She says there's a lot of money and time going into it, as our rates of child obesity rise.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.