When you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, eating a nutritious and balanced diet is key. Making sure you’re getting lots of nutritionally dense whole foods is so important, which often means trying to cut down on ultra-processed options.

Generally, this is the term given to foods that have undergone industrial processes and contain complex ingredients that would make it difficult to make from scratch at home. There’s a lot of discussion right now in the wellness world about how to cut down on your consumption of these. But ultra-processed doesn’t always mean bad, and there are some that can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

The consumer experts at Which? have lifted the lid on some ‘ultra-processed’ foods that aren’t necessarily unhealthy for you.

In a recent TikTok video, they said: “Ultra-processed foods get a lot of bad press but there are some that can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you don’t have time to cook from scratch.”

1. Baked beans

This cupboard staple is technically classed as a UPF because of how they’re made. However, the experts say baked beans are high in fibre and low in sugar and fat, making them great for enjoying as part of a healthier diet.

Showing off a tin, the expert said: “Half a tin like this counts towards one of your five a day.”

2. Pasta sauces 

If you look at the back of a pasta sauce jar in the supermarket, it’s likely you’ll see ingredients such as acidity regulators and thickeners in order to preserve them.

But according to the expert, simple sauces like passata also make budget-friendly and healthy meals when combined with vegetables, mince or lentils.

3. Fish fingers 

This nostalgic freezer staple is another thing that is ultraprocessed. But the experts say that one serving counts towards your ‘target’ of two portions of fish a week.

They’re very cheap too, with a pack of 10 fish fingers costing as little as 80p from Asda.

4. Bread

Bread that you find in the supermarket is often pre-sliced and packaged, coming under fire for its extensive ingredients list. However, wholemeal, granary, seeded and rye loaves are all ‘good choices’ and contain more fibre than white bread.

5. Crisps

It’s a well-known fact that crisps aren’t always healthy. Certain options are very highly processed, but some aren’t so bad. The expert suggested a good rule of thumb is to choose crisps ‘that actually look like potatoes’.

6. Yoghurt 

This is an excellent source of calcium, but flavoured varieties can be ‘full of sugar’.

Instead, swap it for a natural or Greek yoghurt, and add some fruit, nuts and honey for a flavourful and delicious breakfast.