Essential Guides for Understanding Ultra Processed Foods
Comprehensive guides to understanding Processing Scores and Nutrition Scores, based on our analysis of 1.98 million products.
Understanding the Two-Score System
Start here - Learn why we use two scores instead of one and how they work together
How to Read & Interpret Scores
Master reading Processing (1-32+) and Nutrition (0-10) scores with real product examples
Shopping by Score Thresholds
Set your PS and NS limits for smarter shopping - practical application guide
Explore All Guides
Understanding Scores
6 guidesYour complete education on the two-score system
- The Two-Score System Explained
- How to Read & Interpret Scores
- Processing Score Deep Dive (1-32+ Scale)
- Nutrition Score Breakdown (0-10 Scale)
- Common Score Patterns
- FAQs About Food Scoring
Featured Insight:
"31% of products are ultra-processed (PS >8.0)"
Food Rankings & Analysis
8 guidesData-driven insights from 1.98 million products
- Most Processed Foods by Category
- Highest Nutrition Score Champions
- Lowest Processing Score Winners
- Best Balanced Foods (Low PS + High NS)
- Surprising Score Combinations
- Category Score Averages
Featured Stat:
"Only 15.7% of products are minimally processed"
Brand Intelligence
4 guidesHow 36,000+ brands stack up
- 2025 Brand Score Report Cards
- Brands by Average Processing Score
- Brands by Average Nutrition Score
- Store Brand vs National Brand Scores
Featured Finding:
"Store brands often score better than premium brands"
Shopping & Practical Guides
7 guidesApply scores to real-world shopping
- Shopping by Score Thresholds
- Quick Reference Score Cards
- Walmart Shopping Guide
- Whole Foods Shopping Guide
- Budget Shopping with Good Scores
- Reading Labels for Score Clues
Pro Tip:
"Set PS ≤6.5 and NS ≥5 for balanced choices"
Educational Tools & Data Insights
Ingredient Counter
Analyze ingredient lists and calculate processing scores for educational comparison.
Try Tool →Daily Food Facts
Discover interesting facts about food processing and ingredients from our database analysis.
Explore Facts →Data Visualizations
Interactive charts showing ingredient frequencies and food composition patterns.
View Charts →Score Calculator
Input ingredients to calculate processing scores and understand food complexity.
Calculate →Score Ranges at a Glance
Processing Score (PS)
Lower is better
| Range | Level | % of Products |
|---|---|---|
| ≤2.5 | Level 1: Minimally Processed | 9.2% |
| ≤5.0 | Level 2: Processed | 31.1% |
| ≤8.0 | Level 3: Highly Processed | 18.4% |
| >8.0 | Level 4: Ultra-Processed | 41.3% |
Nutrition Score (NS)
Higher is better
| Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 8-10 | Excellent | High protein/fiber, low negatives |
| 5-7 | Good | Balanced nutrition |
| 3-4 | Fair | Some nutritional value |
| 0-2 | Poor | High sugar/sodium, low nutrients |
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.