As a charity, the Soil Association strives for a world with good health in balance with nature, thriving communities and a safe climate for all. As part of this, the food we eat, how it is produced and how it gets to our plate is all part of the bigger picture of the solutions that we can provide to the ongoing the climate, social and health crises across the UK and the world.
When it comes to the food that we have access to both in terms of availability and affordability for all, in recent years we have seen a concerning increase in the prevalence of Ultra-Processed-Foods (UPFs), which currently make up 65% of the food consumed by children under 14.
See below for our ongoing mission to raise awareness of the harms of Ultra-Processed Food and the change we are seeking as Food for Life and the Soil Association.
May 2025
Tell the whole truth about ultra-processed foods - Soil Association campaign:
The ultra-processed food (UPF) industry has blocked government attempts to push shops to promote deals on healthy foods making them more affordable. This is wrong. Public health must come above UPF company profits.
Read more:
The Guardian: UK government dropped health push after lobbying by ultra-processed food firmsFebruary 2025
Blog - Minimally processed foods should be the easy choice
November 2024
Out to Lunch Campaign - Soil Association. Our bi-annual campaign seeks to improve children's food options in out of home settings. For 2024 the campaign focused on Ultra Processed Food items on high street restaurant chain menus.
December 2023
Open letter to Prime Minister - calling on the government to take action to deliver five a day to a million children using Food for Life’s whole setting approach.
Our report into Ultra Processed Foods - Learning to Eat: The role of schools in addressing ultra processed diets
May 2023:
Taking the Biscuit campaign - Thousands demand government stops promoting ultra-processed foods – News story
Campaign page - https://www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/ultra-processed-foods/taking-the-biscuit
Taking the Biscuit report
Food for Life resources for UPF:
Learning & Skills Hub resources
Soil Association UPF reports:
Dec 2023 - Learning to Eat: The role of schools in addressing ultra processed diets
May 2023 – Taking the Biscuit / Ultra-Processed Planet
Oct 2020 – Ultra Processed Foods - The case for rebalancing the UK diet