POV: date=December 2007

Some characteristics which may cause certain foods to be considered Junk food are containing high levels of refined sugar, white flour, trans fat and saturated fat, salt, and various additives such as preservatives and coloring agents. Other characteristics include lacking in proteins, vitamins, fiber and other nutrients required for a healthy diet.

Many forms of Fast food are popular with suppliers because they are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and are particularly resistant to spoilage. These products may also be popular with consumers because they are easy to purchase, require little or no preparation, and are convenient to consume. The consumption of products considered junk food has been associated with many health problems including obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and dental cavities. There is also concern about the targeting of marketing to children.

Classification

What constitutes unhealthy food may be confusing and, according to critics, includes elements of class snobbery, cultural influence and moral judgement. For example, fast food in North America, such as as hamburgers and french fries supplied by companies like McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut, are often perceived as junk food, whereas similar meals supplied by more up-market outlets such as California Pizza Kitchen or Nando's are not, despite often having the same or worse nutritional content. Some foods that are considered ethnic or traditional are not generally considered junk food, such as falafel, gyro, pakora, gyoza or chicharron, though all of these foods have little nutritional value and are usually high in fat from being fried in oil. Other foods such as white rice or roast potatoes are not considered junk food despite having limited nutritional content compared to wholegrain foods. Similarly, breakfast cereals are often regarded as healthy but may have high levels of sugar, salt and fat.

Some types of chips/crisps that are said to be "junk food" may actually be partially harmful because they may contain saturated and trans fats. It should also be understood that the detrimental effects of the empty calories may outweigh the benefits of the unsaturated fatsFact: date=December 2007. These foods tend to be high in sodium, which may contribute in causing hypertension (high blood pressure) in people sensitive to its effects with an existing electrolyte imbalance or inability to excrete sodium properly.