iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In a small randomized crossover study, a meal classified as ultra-processed produced a greater insulin response than a non-ultra-processed meal matched on several nutritional measures. Overall blood-glucose exposure did not differ between meals. The result describes a short-term response in healthy-weight adults—not proof that every ultra-processed food raises insulin more or causes long-term disease.
What the study compared
Hutelin and colleagues’ study, published in Nature Metabolism on 5 October 2026, enrolled 57 healthy-weight adults. For the metabolic comparison, participants ate an ultra-processed (UPF) meal and a non-UPF meal on separate days in randomized order. The researchers collected blood samples and measured metabolism from baseline through three hours after eating. Of the 57 participants, 32 completed both metabolic sessions; the insulin analysis included 31. The study also included an fMRI session completed by 52 participants.
The meals were not identical, and they were made from different food sources. They were approximately 300 kcal each and closely matched for meal weight, energy, energy density, macronutrients, available carbohydrate, glycaemic index and load, total dietary fibre, sodium, and water. Each reported matching measure differed by no more than 1.6%. That makes them nutritionally matched on those specified measures, not the same meal with processing as the only changed ingredient.
What happened to insulin and blood glucose
Insulin exposure over the measurement period, expressed as area under the curve, was greater after the UPF meal (t(28.67) = 5.48; P < 0.001). Insulin was higher in the UPF condition from 40 to 120 minutes after eating (P < 0.001).
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Overall blood-glucose exposure did not differ between the two meals (P = 0.92). The paper did report a difference at the 20-minute time point, so the finding should not be described as glucose being exactly the same at every moment. The study does not provide a general estimate of how much insulin an individual will produce after a meal.
Why might insulin differ when the meals were matched?
Matching calories and selected nutrients does not make two meals biologically identical. The foods and their forms differed, and the study compared whole meals rather than changing one isolated feature while holding everything else constant. The result therefore shows a difference between these two meal conditions; it does not identify processing itself, or any single food property, as the cause of the difference.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Digestive and metabolic responses can vary with characteristics beyond the nutrient measures listed as matched. But this experiment does not establish which characteristic explains its insulin result. It also cannot tell readers how another UPF meal would compare with a different non-UPF meal.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Other short-term findings—and what they do not mean
During the same observation window, the UPF condition had greater metabolic-rate area under the curve and greater fat oxidation, while carbohydrate oxidation was lower. These are acute measurements, not evidence of a lasting change in metabolism or body composition.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The researchers also used fMRI to study responses to food cues. The paper reports associations involving peak carbohydrate-oxidation differences and striatal activation, as well as differences in brain responses related to food valuation. Those neural findings do not demonstrate a clinical outcome or show that one meal changes long-term eating behaviour.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret the result
- It is an acute experiment: the metabolic measurements covered three hours after a meal, not long-term health outcomes.
- The participants were a specific group: the study enrolled healthy-weight adults, so its results should not automatically be generalized to every population.
- The comparison involved two different meals: several nutritional measures were closely matched, but the foods and their processing category differed.
- The insulin result is not a diagnosis: a higher insulin response in this experiment does not by itself show disease or predict an individual’s health.
- It does not settle the broader UPF question: the study cannot establish that all ultra-processed foods produce the same response or that a single UPF meal causes harm.
The Virginia Tech research release quoted neuroscientist Alex DiFeliceantonio saying that insulin response was higher and blood sugar stayed “a little bit higher for a little bit longer.” The peer-reviewed paper’s more precise overall result is that glucose area under the curve did not differ, while a time-specific difference was reported. The release provides context, but the paper is the stronger source for the measured outcomes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
