From the point of view of human health, at present, the most salient division of foods and drinks is in terms of their type, degree and purpose of processing. Three main divisions are specified. Given this, the best dietary advice is to base diets on fresh and minimally processed foods, and on dishes and meals made up from such foods with the addition of refined ingredients extracted from whole foods. If the aim is to prevent disease and enhance well-being, the best personal advice on ultra-processed products, irrespective of their nutritional profiles, is to avoid them or at least minimise their consumption. This approach implies systematic revision of current official and authoritative dietary guidelines and graphic guides to food, nutrition and health.