How the Tobacco Industry Drove the Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods

R.J. Reynolds bought Hawaiian Punch in 1963, launching the tobacco industry’s foray into food and prompting acquisitions of Del Monte, Nabisco, General Foods, Kraft and 7UP, which produced chemically-engineered ultra-processed foods marketed to children. These products now supply about 60% of U.S. calories and are linked to rising obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases.