Frequently Asked Questions

The database is refreshed periodically from the USDA FoodData Central dataset. Scoring algorithms are updated as the methodology improves, based on new research and user feedback.

All product data comes from the USDA FoodData Central database, which includes branded food products (nutrition labels from major manufacturers), standard reference foods (laboratory-analyzed nutrient data), and survey foods (foods as consumed in national nutrition surveys). Our scoring algorithms are proprietary, developed from established food-science research and NOVA classification principles.

The scores are based on objective analysis of ingredient lists and nutrition facts, applied consistently across 445K+ products with a transparent methodology. They are best used as one tool among many: they cannot account for individual dietary needs, they are not medical advice, some products have incomplete data, and context such as portion size and frequency still matters.

It depends on your goals, but as a general guide: for the Processing Score, 3.0 or below is excellent, 3.1 to 6.0 is good, 6.1 to 10.0 is moderate, and above 10.0 is worth limiting. For the Nutrition Score, 8.0 to 10.0 is excellent, 6.0 to 7.9 is good, 4.0 to 5.9 is moderate, and below 4.0 is poor.

Not necessarily. Ultra-processed foods are worth limiting, but context matters: frequency, portion size, your overall diet, convenience and access, individual needs, and the alternatives available. Some products score as ultra-processed yet still earn a high Nutrition Score, such as certain fortified meal replacements, which is exactly why we report both scores rather than a single verdict.

Organic certification is about production methods, not processing level, so organic products can still be highly processed. An organic cookie with 20 ingredients will have a higher Processing Score than conventional produce with a single ingredient. Read the organic certification and our scores together for the full picture.

Store-brand quality varies widely. Clean-label lines such as O Organics (Albertsons) and 365 (Whole Foods) tend to score well on processing, while broad value brands like Great Value (Walmart) span the full range because they cover so many categories, from minimally processed staples to heavily processed snacks. Always check the individual product rather than assuming a whole brand is good or bad.

We read each product’s ingredient list and normalize it against a reference library so that different ways of writing the same ingredient (for example "salt", "sea salt", and "sodium chloride") are treated consistently. From there we identify additives, preservatives, and colors that factor into the Processing Score. Salt, sugar, water, and citric acid are among the most common ingredients across the catalog.

Nutrition flags are binary indicators that highlight when a product is notably high or low in a nutrient. High-alert flags cover high sodium (above 600mg per serving), high sugar (above 20g), high saturated fat (above 5g), and high cholesterol (above 60mg). Positive flags cover high protein (above 15g), high fiber (above 5g), low sugar (5g or less), and low sodium (140mg or less).

Our Processing Score is inspired by, but not identical to, the NOVA classification. NOVA uses four discrete, qualitative categories; we use a continuous, uncapped scale driven by quantitative ingredient analysis, which makes consumer-friendly comparisons between similar products easier.

Some pages note allergens named in the ingredient list we have. Not finding one doesn't mean it's absent. Check the package, because cross-contact can occur during manufacturing. If your allergy is severe, don't rely on this site alone.