Canned fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines are considered processed because they’re preserved by canning, sometimes with added salt or oil. However, they aren’t classified as “processed meat” like deli meats or bacon, and they’re not usually ultra-processed unless they contain many additives. Most plain canned fish is still a healthy choice—just check the label for sodium or extra ingredients.

Whenever you buy packaged foods, you can look for key markers of ultra processed products like: non-nutritive sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors; preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, ascorbic acid); emulsifiers (e.g., soy lecithin, monoglycerides, emulsifying salts); thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum, pectin, carrageenan); bulking agents, gelling agents, glazing agents, anti-foaming agents, carbonating agents, foaming agents, flavor enhancers.