Ultra-processed food consumption: an exploration of social determinants among Black children of African and Caribbean descent in Ottawa

Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is a growing concern due to its negative impact on diet quality and health outcomes. To our knowledge, no data on UPF consumption are available for specific racial/ethnic children, including Black children, in Canada. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the social determinants of UPF consumption among Black children of African and Caribbean descent in Ottawa.It included 174 mothers born in the Caribbean or Sub-Saharan Africa and their children aged 6 to 12. A survey was administered to assess demographic and socio-economic characteristics of mothers, children, and households. Children’s dietary intakes were evaluated with a 24 h dietary recall to calculate the proportion of energy from UPF according to the NOVA food classification system. ANOVA and two-step cluster analysis were performed. Identified clusters were compared using chi-square and Student’s t tests. Findings indicate that children whose mothers had been living in Canada longer (p <0.001),whose mothers were family-class immigrants(p=0.005),and whose households were food secure (p= 0.049), consumed more UPF than their respective counterparts. Cluster analysis revealed two profiles, named settling and established, reinforcing previous associations. Children in the established profile had a mean energy intake from UPF 9% higher than those in the settling profile (p= 0.006). This study provided initial findings on the social determinants of UPF consumption among Black children of African and Caribbean descent. It suggests that immigration-related factors and household food security status shaped UPF consumption of these children.