https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/what-are-processed-foods/
Rule of thumb: anything that has a label / more than 1 ingredient is processed food. Anything that has added sugar and artificial flavors / coloring is the worst kind of processed food.
Pasta is indeed classified as processed food but if the only ingredients are
durum wheat and
water then it's not that bad.
Rice is not processed food (as long as it is
just rice, not a rice-based meal in a can).
I'm not familiar with Panda Express but generally any
fast food restaurant is going to serve processed food. BK, McDs, and Wendy's are among the worst.
Mashed potatoes are fine if you make them yourself from real potatoes. But a
mashed potato mix is a whole different story! Check out the ingredients:
source:
https://idahoanfoodservice.com/products/bistro-mashed-potato-mix/
Corn syrup and
maltodextrin are also added sugars so you basically have
sugar x3 in that mix, as well as
artificial color and
artificial flavors. Horrible.
Diners can vary in terms of food quality but they generally will still use/serve processed food since it's cheaper, faster and more convenient.
Bottled ice teas are very bad, since they usually contain A LOT of added sugar, artificial sweeteners and coloring.
Carton/bottled milk is fine, again, as long as it is pure milk with nothing added.
I hope I've answered all your questions. Let me know if you need any other advice.
PS. The best way to avoid processed food is to
cook!