#593: Can We Define Hyper-Palatable Foods? And Is Processing Actually the Problem? – Tera Fazzino, PhD
Tue Feb 03 2026
While the term "hyperpalatable" has been used frequently for considerable time to refer to foods that are so appealing and tasty that they drive overeating, this term hasn't been well-defined nor has there been a universal standard for what it means.
One researcher who set out to create an objective definition for hyper-palatable foods (HPFs) is Dr. Tera Fazzino. Using specific defined thresholds of sugar, fat and salt combinations, Dr. Fazzino and colleagues have looked at the impact of consumption of these HPFs.
In this episode, we delve into defining HPFs and their nutrient profiles, whether they have addictive-like properties, how HPFs differ from (and overlap with) ultra-processed foods (UPFs), the mechanisms by which these foods drive overconsumption, and the broader public health implications.
Tera Fazzino, PhD, is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on addiction, obesity, and eating-related behaviors.
Timestamps [03:39] Interview begins [05:05] Attempting to define hyper palatability [10:03] Nutrient combinations in hyper palatable foods [14:54] Prevalence of hyper palatable foods [17:43] Debate on ultra processed foods [30:02] Mechanisms behind hyper palatability [35:06] Addiction theory and hyper-palatable foods [43:38] Early exposure and long-term effects [50:53] Key ideas recap Related Resources Go to episode page (with links to studies mentioned) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course
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While the term "hyperpalatable" has been used frequently for considerable time to refer to foods that are so appealing and tasty that they drive overeating, this term hasn't been well-defined nor has there been a universal standard for what it means. One researcher who set out to create an objective definition for hyper-palatable foods (HPFs) is Dr. Tera Fazzino. Using specific defined thresholds of sugar, fat and salt combinations, Dr. Fazzino and colleagues have looked at the impact of consumption of these HPFs. In this episode, we delve into defining HPFs and their nutrient profiles, whether they have addictive-like properties, how HPFs differ from (and overlap with) ultra-processed foods (UPFs), the mechanisms by which these foods drive overconsumption, and the broader public health implications. Tera Fazzino, PhD, is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on addiction, obesity, and eating-related behaviors. Timestamps [03:39] Interview begins [05:05] Attempting to define hyper palatability [10:03] Nutrient combinations in hyper palatable foods [14:54] Prevalence of hyper palatable foods [17:43] Debate on ultra processed foods [30:02] Mechanisms behind hyper palatability [35:06] Addiction theory and hyper-palatable foods [43:38] Early exposure and long-term effects [50:53] Key ideas recap Related Resources Go to episode page (with links to studies mentioned) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course