What Even Is MAHA Food?

“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined the ‘existential threat’ in the U.S. posed by a myriad of worsening health metrics, pointing a finger at the food industry as one cause.”— FoodNavigator

But what does that mean? What does MAHA even stand for when it comes to our food? Most people have no idea.

So, we dug into RFK Jr.’s writings and speeches over the years and found that he’s highlighted his concerns about five major categories of harmful ingredients. Kennedy's agenda and aim are to reshape food policy and public health priorities, focusing on systemic changes that address the root causes of chronic disease and environmental harm. Kennedy's critiques often emphasize the need for evidence-based reforms and highlight the influence of political administrations on food and health outcomes:

1. Ultra-processed foods

2. Ingredients that harm human health, many of which are banned in the EU and parts of Asia (we call these Banned/Unsafe Ingredients)

3. Seed oils with healthier alternatives

4. High fructose corn syrup from foods

5. Artificial colors from foods

The State of Public Health

Let’s face it: America’s health report card isn’t looking great. More than half of American adults are now living with at least one chronic disease—think heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions that are all too common. The root causes? Our food system is flooded with ultra-processed foods, saturated fats, and other harmful ingredients that are fueling poor health outcomes across the country. While it's impossible to put blanket rules and what to eat and what not to eat, we deserve the right to know exactly what's in our food so we can make informed decisions based on science.

Despite efforts from the federal government, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program, to support nutrition assistance programs and get healthier foods onto plates, the reality is that millions still struggle to access truly nutritious options. Obesity rates and other diseases remain stubbornly high, especially in low-income communities where the food supply is often dominated by processed foods and ultra processed choices.

The FDA has a critical job to do, too: regulating the food industry and making sure harmful ingredients are kept out of the food supply - or at least properly and clearly labeled.

The MAHA movement, championed by Kennedy Jr., is a spotlight on these issues and demanding a food system that puts human health first. But real progress means focusing on science, not fear. Supporting preventive care, sustainable agriculture, and policies that help all Americans access food that’s actually good for them.

Improving public health in America isn’t about quick fixes or blaming individuals. It’s about working together—federal agencies, farmers, the food industry, and everyday people—to create a food system that supports better health outcomes for everyone. If we want to see lower obesity rates, fewer chronic diseases, and a healthier future, it’s time to move beyond the status quo and make America healthy for real.

The MAHA WISEcode to Make America Healthy

While everyone else was talking, WISEcode created the MAHA Code where we are not diving into politics, but interjecting substance where there has just been noise and hot air coming out of D.C.

Out of 650,000 packaged grocery products in the U.S., only about 50% pass the test to be considered MAHA food.

Is RFK Jr. being too tough on the food industry or is the food industry falling down on the job? You decide.

What is clear is that we can work to reform the food system using the people's voice and not waiting for regulation.

Which retailers fail the MAHA test?

One thing is clear: We don't have to wait for regulations to reform the food system. Change starts today. Download our app here!