This is a bonus episode from The Global Story asking - Are ultra-processed foods impossible to avoid?

Research into ultra-processed foods suggests they could be linked to health problems including cancers, heart disease, obesity and depression - but scientists are yet to agree on how they actually affect us. Often mass-produced, and containing multiple additives, UPFs have become the target of nutritionists and clean-living advocates alike. But, given how common they are, can we realistically avoid them?

On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks with BBC health reporter Philippa Roxby, and Ruth Alexander, presenter of The Food Chain podcast from the BBC World Service. Together, they unpack what we really know about UPFs.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide, one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world.

Insights you can trust, from the BBC World Service. For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast.

We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected]

You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Beth Timmins, Laurie Kalus, and Alice Aylett Roberts.