Some Children Are More Vulnerable to Ultra-Processed Foods—Here’s What Parents Should Know
When Kerri Boutelle’s children were young, she observed a curious pattern: while one child might eat just half of an ice cream cone and set it aside, another would devour the entire cone quickly—and then reach for any leftovers. As a psychologist at the University of California, San Diego, Boutelle has spent over three decades working with kids who struggle with obesity and eating disorders. Her observations revealed something that is now being backed by science: not all children respond to ultra-processed food the same way.
Some kids are born with what researchers call a strong food reward drive, explains psychologist Ashley Gearhardt at the University of Michigan. These children are more motivated to eat, often feel hungrier than others, and can eat quickly without ever feeling truly full. While they may manage to regulate their intake with whole or minimally processed foods, ultra-processed products pose a unique challenge.
In a world saturated with processed snacks, fast food, and sweetened treats, children with high food reward drives are at greater risk. The typical advice about moderation doesn’t apply as well to them—they need specialized support to navigate this food landscape.
For related guidance on nutrition, check out the CDC’s healthy eating tips and the Harvard School of Public Health’s nutrition source.
What Is a Strong Food Reward Drive?
Today, the average American child receives about 70% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods—products filled with additives, emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. These items are designed to be hyper-palatable and often override our internal hunger and satiety signals. According to psychiatrist Agnes Ayton of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, these foods trick the brain by activating pleasure pathways that encourage overconsumption.
Psychologists like Gearhardt have found that when individuals are served whole foods, they’re generally able to gauge hunger and fullness accurately. However, introduce ultra-processed products, and that internal regulation becomes much harder. This is especially true for children who already have a strong reward drive, making it extremely difficult to stop eating once they’ve started.
As Boutelle explains, these children are not just eating out of hunger. They’re driven by a powerful neurological feedback loop that keeps them reaching for more—regardless of how full they feel.
To better understand food and reward signals, read about the NIH’s research on food addiction.
Steps Parents Can Take to Support Healthy Eating Habits
1. Don’t Keep Large Quantities of Ultra-Processed Foods at Home
Many families try to manage ultra-processed foods by storing them in cupboards and teaching children to eat them in moderation. But for kids with a strong food reward drive, this strategy often fails. Temptation leads to overeating, frustration, and feelings of failure. This cycle can even affect adults.
Instead, avoid bringing these foods home in bulk. Out of sight often means out of mind, especially for young children who are still forming habits.
2. Limit Processed Foods But Allow for Social Flexibility
Eliminating ultra-processed foods entirely can backfire—especially in social settings. Birthdays, holidays, and school events often revolve around these items. Banning them completely may isolate your child or trigger a forbidden-food fixation.
Instead, consider Gearhardt’s approach: keep minimally processed options at home (like fruits, whole grains, and nuts), and allow ultra-processed foods occasionally at events. This maintains emotional balance without compromising physical health.
To make informed food choices, parents can explore the USDA’s MyPlate resource.
3. Minimize Variety of Ultra-Processed Foods at Home
Research suggests that more variety leads to more consumption. If you do keep some processed foods in your pantry, stick to a limited number—no more than two or three types. For example, one kind of cereal and one snack item is better than an overflowing cabinet of options. This reduces stimulation and helps kids self-regulate.
Boutelle recommends: “If you’re going to have ice cream, don’t buy four flavors. Pick one.”
4. Use Special Events for Processed Food Access
Ashley Gearhardt keeps her home stocked with unprocessed, nutritious items. Her children know they’re free to eat bananas, apples, popcorn, or cashews at any time. Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, are brought in only for birthdays, parties, or movie nights.
This method helps even children with a strong food reward drive. They don’t have to constantly battle temptation, and they still get to enjoy the occasional indulgence. In her words: “Our baseline is real food.”
Making the Home a Safe Food Environment
Kerri Boutelle emphasizes one key point to parents: today’s food environment is designed to trick children into overeating. From colorful packaging to addictive flavors, ultra-processed foods are everywhere. But while society isn’t likely to change overnight, the home can still be a sanctuary.
Simple steps—limiting processed food access, promoting whole foods, and supporting mindful eating—can go a long way in building a child’s lifelong relationship with food.
