Base (15 ingredients): 4.9
+ High Fructose Corn Syrup: +1.5
+ Artificial Flavors: +2.0
+ Preservatives: +0.6
Final Score: 9.0
Processing Score Guide
Understanding our 1-32+ Processing Score system that measures food processing levels from single ingredients to ultra-processed products with 20+ additives.
📊 15 min read•🔢 Score Calculator•📈 Real Examples
What is the Processing Score?
Our Processing Score measures how much a food has been transformed from its natural state. The scale runs from 1.0 (single ingredient) to 32+ (ultra-processed)with higher scores indicating more processing.
Unlike other systems that rely on categories, we calculate exact scores based on:
- • Ingredient count: More ingredients = higher processing
- • Processing indicators: Artificial additives, preservatives, HFCS
- • Manufacturing complexity: Modified starches, hydrogenated oils
- • Chemical additives: Colors, flavors, emulsifiers
Score Distribution
Level 1 (≤2.5)15.7% of products
Level 2 (≤5.0)27.9% of products
Level 3 (≤8.0)25.4% of products
Level 4 (>8.0)30.9% of products
How Processing Scores Are Calculated
Base Score Formula
Base Score = log₂(ingredient_count) + 1
This gives us: 1 ingredient = 1.0, 2-3 ingredients = 1.5-2.5, 5+ ingredients = 3.5+
Processing Penalties
High Fructose Corn Syrup+1.5
Artificial Ingredients+2.0
Hydrogenated Oils+1.5
Preservatives (BHA, BHT)+1.5
Other Preservatives+0.6
Modified Starches+0.8
Example Calculation
Processed Snack Cake:
Processing Levels Explained
Level 1: Minimally Processed (≤2.5)
15.7% of productsSingle ingredients or minimally processed foods with 2-3 simple ingredients. No artificial additives or complex processing.
Level 2: Processed (≤5.0)
27.9% of productsFoods with simple processing like canning, freezing, or basic preparation. May contain salt, sugar, or natural preservatives.
Level 3: Highly Processed (≤8.0)
25.4% of productsProducts with multiple processing steps and some artificial ingredients. May contain preservatives, stabilizers, or flavor enhancers.
Level 4: Ultra-Processed (>8.0)
30.9% of productsIndustrial formulations with multiple artificial additives, preservatives, and ingredients not found in home kitchens. High levels of processing.
Common Processing Indicators
These ingredients significantly increase processing scores and are found in thousands of products:
Most Common Artificial Ingredients
High Fructose Corn Syrup
121,622 products
Avg Score: 13.4
+1.5 penalty
Thiamine Mononitrate
162,403 products
Avg Score: 13.1
Synthetic vitamin
Lactic Acid
80,730 products
Avg Score: 11.7
Preservative
High-Penalty Preservatives
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
13,639 products
Avg Score: 15.4
+1.5 penalty
Potassium Sorbate
29,865 products
Avg Score: 16.0
+0.6 penalty
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
15,168 products
Avg Score: 14.3
+1.5 penalty
Processing Scores by Food Category
Average processing scores vary significantly by food category, revealing patterns in industrial food production:
| Category | Products | Avg Processing Score | Avg Nutrition Score | Processing Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canned & Jarred | 65,359 | 4.07 | 4.98 | Processed |
| Produce | 29,125 | 4.41 | 5.72 | Processed |
| Dairy | 158,614 | 5.10 | 4.45 | Processed |
| Pantry Staples | 106,662 | 5.75 | 6.51 | Processed |
| Breakfast | 44,004 | 7.14 | 5.98 | Highly Processed |
| Frozen Foods | 89,214 | 7.71 | 5.34 | Highly Processed |
| Snacks & Candy | 534,492 | 8.78 | 4.84 | Ultra-Processed |
| Bakery | 136,973 | 11.90 | 4.55 | Ultra-Processed |
Key insights: Bakery products have the highest average processing scores (11.90), while canned/jarred foods are surprisingly well-processed (4.07). Snacks & candy represent the largest ultra-processed category with over 534,000 products.
Tips for Finding Lower Processing Scores
🛒 Shopping Strategies
- ✓Shop the perimeter: Fresh produce, dairy, and meat typically have lower scores
- ✓Read ingredient lists: Shorter lists usually mean lower processing
- ✓Avoid HFCS: High fructose corn syrup adds significant processing penalty
- ✓Look for single ingredients: Items like nuts, oils, grains score 1.0-2.0
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
- ×Artificial colors/flavors: Major processing score penalties
- ×BHA, BHT preservatives: Industrial antioxidants with +1.5 penalty
- ×Hydrogenated oils: Trans fats and high processing scores
- ×Long ingredient lists: 15+ ingredients usually mean ultra-processing
Processing Score Targets
≤2.5
Excellent Choice
Minimally processed
≤5.0
Good Choice
Basic processing
≤8.0
Moderate Choice
Some artificial ingredients
>8.0
Limit Intake
Ultra-processed
Related Guides
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.