About Our Two-Score Food System
Discover how we analyze 1.98 million products using our dual scoring system that measures both processing levels and nutritional value.
Our Mission
At Ultra Processed Food List, we believe that informed consumers make healthier choices. Our mission is to provide clear, accessible information about the food products we consume daily, using our innovative Two-Score System that evaluates both processing levels and nutritional quality.
Traditional food rating systems often oversimplify complex nutritional information. We've developed a dual approach that recognizes both processing and nutrition as equally important factors in food quality. Our goal is to help consumers understand not just what's in their food, but how it was made and how it fits into a healthy diet.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods (oils, fats, sugar, starch), derived from food constituents (hydrogenated fats, modified starch), or synthesized in laboratories from food substrates or other organic sources (flavor enhancers, colors). These products typically contain minimal whole foods and use industrial techniques not found in home kitchens.
Research increasingly links high consumption of ultra-processed foods to various health concerns, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. However, not all processed foods are created equal, which is why we've developed our Processing Score to help you understand the spectrum of food processing.
The Science Behind Two Scores
We believe no single number can capture both processing and nutrition. That's why we use two complementary scores that work together to give you a complete picture of food quality.
Processing Score (PS)
Measures the degree of industrial processing using an uncapped scale that starts at 1 for single ingredients.
- Base Score: Starts at 1.0 for single ingredients, 1.5 for 2-3 ingredients
- Artificial ingredients: +2.0 penalty
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: +1.5 penalty
- Hydrogenated oils: +1.5 penalty
- Modified starches: +0.8 penalty
- Preservatives: +0.6 to +1.5 penalty based on type
Processing Levels: Level 1 (≤2.5), Level 2 (2.6-5.0), Level 3 (5.1-8.0), Level 4 (>8.0)
Nutrition Score (NS)
Balances positive and negative nutritional factors on a 0-10 scale, where higher scores indicate better nutrition.
- Rewards: Protein (up to +3), Fiber (up to +2), Fermented dairy (+1)
- Penalizes: Added sugars (-3), Sodium (-2), Trans fats (-1.5), Saturated fat (-2)
- Special handling: Water, diet drinks, and fermented products have adjusted scoring
Scale: 0 (poor nutrition) to 10 (excellent nutrition), with average around 4.8
Database Scale & Accuracy
Our comprehensive database represents one of the largest food analysis projects available to consumers:
Product Coverage
- • 1.98 million products with complete scoring
- • 36,000+ brands across all categories
- • 447 categories organized into 18 groups
Ingredient Analysis
- • 270,000 unique ingredients normalized
- • Complete additive classification system
- • Preservative and artificial ingredient tracking
Nutritional Data Coverage
- • 93% coverage for macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates)
- • 60-70% coverage for vitamins and minerals
- • Complete serving size and calorie information
Data Sources: We source our information from USDA FoodData Central and OpenFoodFacts, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both U.S. and international products. Our processing algorithms analyze ingredient lists, nutritional data, and product categories to generate accurate scores.
The required attribution for USDA data: "U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019.fdc.nal.usda.gov." While we strive for accuracy, product formulations change regularly, and we recommend always checking product packaging for the most current information.
Our Features
Ultra Processed Food List offers several key features powered by our Two-Score System:
- Dual Score Analysis - View both Processing Score and Nutrition Score for complete food evaluation
- Advanced Search & Filtering - Find products by category, brand, ingredient, processing level, or nutrition score
- Detailed Product Pages - Complete ingredient analysis, nutritional information, and score explanations
- Smart Alternatives - Discover better options using both processing and nutrition criteria
- Brand & Category Analysis - Compare processing patterns across 36,000+ brands and 447 categories
- Ingredient Intelligence - Explore our database of 270,000 ingredients with additive classifications
Our Team
Ultra Processed Food List was created by a team of health-conscious consumers passionate about food transparency. We combine expertise in nutrition science, data analysis, and web development to provide this resource to the public.
We are not affiliated with any food manufacturers, retailers, or health organizations. Our goal is to provide unbiased information that helps consumers understand what's in their food.
Contributing to Our Mission
We believe in the power of community knowledge. If you notice any inaccuracies or have suggestions for improving our database, please contact us.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Our Two-Score System represents our analysis and interpretation of food processing and nutritional quality and should be used as one of many tools when making dietary decisions. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized nutritional guidance.
Contact Us
Have questions, suggestions, or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
Visit our contact page to get in touch with us.
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