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College Students on TikTok Spark Nationwide Debate on Ultra-Processed Foods and “Forever Chemicals”

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A new digital grassroots movement is gaining momentum on American college campuses, where students, inspired by social media and a growing distrust of mainstream nutrition advice, are rejecting ultra-processed foods, plastics, and so-called “forever chemicals” in favor of a “crunchy,” whole foods lifestyle. As reported in a recent New York Post feature, this subculture—previously confined to niche communities—has found energised new leaders among young people broadcasting their holistic health crusades on TikTok.

Driven by a desire to reclaim personal health, rising college influencers are now using platforms like TikTok to question the nutrition narrative, challenge peer pressure in campus dining, and promote alternatives ranging from grass-fed meats to “clean beauty” routines. This signals a growing skepticism toward typical student diets and a search for a new identity: one that prizes self-care, ingredient literacy, and detachment from both fast food chains and what the movement’s proponents believe are “toxic” substances—namely, seed oils, preservatives, and non-degradable chemicals called PFAS.

These so-called “crunchy” students, borrowing the term from the U.S. counterculture movement, draw inspiration from social figures promoting natural living—what they eat, what they wear, even how they clean their dorms. The movement’s contemporary spark ignited after students like a recent University of Wisconsin graduate began probing the origins of her food choices. Intrigued by content on Instagram about seed oils, she soon realized her understanding of “healthy eating” was superficial. She dove deep into alternative nutrition, eliminating packaged snacks for homemade meals of ground beef, sweet potatoes, and avocados, eventually obtaining a health coaching certificate to amplify her message online.

This trend comes at a pivotal moment—nutrition research has cast fresh doubts on the long-term health effects of processed foods and forever chemicals. Ultra-processed foods, defined by the NOVA classification as edible items made from manufactured substances plus additives, have been linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers, according to peer-reviewed studies in journals like the British Medical Journal (bmj.com). Meanwhile, “forever chemicals,” scientifically known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), have made headlines for their persistence in the environment and their association with hormonal disruption and potential carcinogenic effects (epa.gov).

However, experts warn of the perils of self-directed alternative health trends spreading through social media. As noted by an assistant vice president of college mental health at Northwell Health in the New York Post article, while intentionality about food can be positive for young adults, obsession and misinformation are growing risks. “I think being intentional in this population and being present and being aware can be a very good thing, as long as it’s in a controlled atmosphere,” said the mental health leader. Yet, platforms like TikTok often blur evidence-based guidance with anecdote-laden—and sometimes scientifically dubious—advice, making it harder for students to distinguish fact from fad.

The movement’s influences range from the Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization promoting nutrient-dense animal products and raw milk, to the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement and YouTube and TikTok personalities who advocate for rejecting seed oils and plastics. These outlets, however, have faced criticism for promoting potentially harmful or scientifically questionable recommendations, including avoidance of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and fluoridated water. The Wisconsin graduate, for example, professes deep trust in these sources after her own health journey, even as she acknowledges controversy.

The trend’s core message, nevertheless, is translating into concrete action in student life. Social media feeds are now populated with “crunchy” grocery hauls, recipe swaps, and tips like replacing refined sugar with coconut sugar or adopting morning walks and mindful breathing routines. Students, often confronting autoimmune challenges like Hashimoto’s disease, describe finding community and personal agency in these changes. While some, like a Texas State University sophomore with a ballet background, admit to occasionally enjoying Dr. Pepper and restaurant outings, the ethos remains clear: prioritize intentional choices and whole ingredients whenever possible.

The digital visibility of this movement has certainly garnered detractors. Critics online, according to the report, accuse “crunchy” influencers of orthorexia (an unhealthy fixation on healthy eating) or spreading dubious information. Yet, the students themselves express steadfast commitment, citing improved wellbeing and a desire to “work towards a healthier future self”—even if it requires social sacrifices, such as skipping meals out or facing ridicule.

For Thai students and health-conscious youth, this American movement invites keen reflection on local dietary customs and the rising global tide against ultra-processed foods. Thailand’s young people are no strangers to the convenience and temptations of instant noodles, sugary beverages, and imported snacks, all of which fall under the ultra-processed category highlighted in the movement. According to a 2022 report by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (thaihealth.or.th), rising rates of obesity and lifestyle diseases among Thai adolescents parallel global concerns about processed food consumption. At the same time, PFAS chemicals have become a focus of local research, with government bodies testing imported goods and packaging for contamination amid public scrutiny (bangkokpost.com).

Culturally, the crunchy movement’s critique invites Thais to re-examine not only imported convenience foods but also changing cooking traditions and the balance between convenience and long-standing Thai principles of fresh, community-centered meals. While Thailand’s street food culture offers abundant fresh options, urbanization, busy lifestyles, and global food marketing have pushed more households toward processed choices. Educational leaders and nutritionists in Thailand increasingly recommend reinforcing food literacy among youth—teaching students to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy options and to read ingredient labels with a critical eye.

On the mental health front, Thai educators and doctors urge caution so that enthusiasm for “clean eating” does not tip into harmful restriction—especially among young people vulnerable to body image issues and social pressures (who.int). Echoing global expert advice, they emphasize balance: “Moderation and mindfulness are key aspects of our traditional Thai lifestyle, and these should guide any movement towards healthier eating,” stated a faculty nutrition specialist at a leading Bangkok university in a recent seminar.

Going forward, the “crunchy” movement’s spread highlights opportunities for Thai public health advocates, teachers, and parents. By leveraging social media’s power—while pairing it with robust, evidence-based education—stakeholders can empower local youth to question advertising, demand healthier choices in school canteens, and reignite pride in Thai culinary heritage. At the same time, supporting young people to make informed, balanced decisions—rather than condemning all processed foods or idolizing fads—offers the most pragmatic path for personal and national health alike.

For Thai readers, key recommendations emerge: cultivate digital literacy to discern reliable nutrition information online; favor whole ingredients while enjoying the diversity of Thai cuisine; advocate for tighter regulations on food labeling and packaging safety; and, most importantly, maintain openness and balance, drawing from both tradition and credible new research. As the American “crunchy” crusade shows, the road to nationwide health improvements begins with individual choices—but it flourishes when supported by communities, schools, and thoughtful public policy.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions about your health.