Eating a healthy diet and avoiding ultra-processed food is lifestyle advice that has been shared widely for ages, but some of our favourite convenience foods could be considered unhealthy.

Several studies have shown that eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods is linked to a greater risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes as well as early death. Some foods are considered worse than others, with some favourite sandwich fillers in amongst the worst culprits.

With many of us reaching for a sandwich meal deal or picking up ready to eat food on the go, we might not realise that our go-to lunch option isn't the healthiest choice.

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Victoria Taylor, a Senior Dietitian at British heart Foundation (BHF), explained; "More than half of the energy (calories) an average person in the UK eats and drinks comes from ultra-processed foods.

"That’s perhaps not surprising as they can be convenient, appealing, and are heavily marketed to us. But researchers have shown that ultra-processed foods can impact our health."

Ultra-processed foods typically have more than one ingredient that you never or rarely find in a kitchen. They also tend to include many additives and ingredients that are not typically used in home cooking, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial colours and flavours that generally have a long shelf life.

Ham and sausage as well as cheese slices are some of the worst culprits and fit in the ultra-processed category, as they contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar.

Packaged bread can also be considered an ultra-processed food, as they often have extra ingredients added during production, such as emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial colours and flavours.

Plant-based meat and cheese substitutes are also ultra-processed, and so might not be as healthy as they are marketed to be.

Whilst it can feel like many foods are being branded as 'bad' or not healthy to eat, the BHF has explained that it's more about focusing on a balanced approach to the food we eat.

The BHF urged: "Instead of trying to completely cut out these foods, think about the balance in your diet. Make sure that there are minimally processed foods in there too – eat fruit and vegetables with your meals and drink water instead of sugary drinks – and try to fit in time over the week for home cooking.

It’s also important to remember that not all ultra-processed foods are equal. When you do include ultra-processed foods in your diet, choose those with more nutritional benefit – wholegrain bread and cereals or baked beans for example, instead of crisps, sweets or pizzas."

They added: "Get in the habit of reading food labels so you can easily identify and cut back on foods that are high in sugar, salt, or saturated fat."