New Zealand junk food imports increasing with University of Auckland Senior Research Fellow Dr Kelly Garton 23rd March, 2026

Research has recently been released which found between 1990 and 2023 Ultra Processed Foods share in New Zealand’s total food and drink imports has increased from 9 to 22 percent.

This has raised concerns, as diets high in ultra processed foods carry an increased risk of multiple serious health conditions and can be environmentally damaging due to their high usage of plastic packaging, and water and energy in production.

With the country in the midst of a cost of living crisis and people becoming increasingly reliant on these cheap, convenient, but unhealthy food options, the extent of this problem could continue to grow.

To discuss the research and its findings, producer Thomas talked to the report’s lead author Dr Kelly Garton.