What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods in Vietnam's rural and urban settings.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Consumption of ultra-processed food in emerging countries: evidence from a rural - urban gradient in Vietnam

Key Points

To assess the consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods in Vietnam's rural and urban settings.
Analyzed consumption data of ultra-processed foods in various Vietnamese regions.
Compared consumption levels between rural and urban populations.
Investigated differences in consumption across household income levels.
Ultra-processed food consumption is significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas in Vietnam.
Low-income households exhibit lower consumption of ultra-processed foods, controlling for other factors.
Disaggregation of ultra-processed food types is crucial for understanding the issue.

Abstract

• The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is raising in low and middle-income countries. • The analysis confirms the magnitude of the problem in Vietnam. • UPFs consumption appears higher in Vietnam rural settings than in urban settings. • Poor households have a lower propensity to consume UPF, other things being equal. • The analysis underscores the importance of disaggregating UPF into different categories.

Consumption of ultra-processed food in emerging countries: evidence from a rural - urban gradient in Vietnam

Key Points

Abstract

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