Table 2 Understanding of term “ultra-processed” extracted from open-ended responses to “What do you think the term “ultra-processed” means?” (n = 1,004)

High understanding

Mentions key UPF characteristics as specified by the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population

i.e., lack of whole foods AND synthetic substances

84

8%

Low understanding

Mentions at least one non-UPF characteristic and not classified as high understanding

i.e. non-UPF characteristic NOT (lack of whole foods AND synthetic substances)

232

23%

Moderate understanding

Mentions at least one UPF characteristic and not classified as high understanding or low understanding

i.e., lack of whole foods OR synthetic substances OR unhealthy products OR other UPF characteristics NOT (lack of whole foods AND synthetic substances) NOT non-UPF characteristic

688

69%