What Consumers Really Think About Ultra-Processed Foods

Date: 4/15/2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm Eastern
Location: Virtual
How to Register: Register online using the button below. Registration ends April 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. 
Pricing: $25 members, $35 non-members, $15 students
Presented by: RCA Mid-Atlantic Region (open to all)
CEUs: 1 unit

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Event Summary:
Ultra-processed foods have been in the headlines a lot in recent years, but what do consumers really know and think about them? In this lunch session, we'll dive into the data behind ultra-processed foods. What foods do consumers consider to be ultra-processed? What are the trade-offs consumers are willing to make when it comes to food processing? Are there generational differences? We'll connect this data to deeper consumer needs around clean labels, simple ingredients, the demand for "real" foods," and general consumer skepticism around the food industry as a whole. We'll close with clear thought-starters and recommendations for research chefs to consider as they develop new products in the future.

Event Speaker:
Mike Kostyo, VP Menu Matters

RCA Disclosures

• Contact Information: By registering for this event, you consent to the sharing of your contact information (such as name, email address, and company) with the event’s sponsors. This information will be shared exclusively with sponsors for purposes related to the event and will not be shared with other attendees or third parties.
• Photographs and Videos: During this event, RCA may take photographs and/or video of you which may be posted to social media and on the association’s website. By registering for and attending this event, you agree to the use of images in photographs and/or video for this purpose. Additionally, other event attendees may take photographs and post said photographs to social media. RCA shall not be responsible for photographs taken and/or shared by other event attendees.
• Session Recordings: This session may be recorded for the purpose of education, training, and use in RCA’s Learning Library. The recording will be used for this stated purpose and shall not be used for any other purpose. Do not share information that you do not wish to be recorded. If you are uncomfortable being recorded, please refrain from speaking and submit questions via email.

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