Shopping by Score Thresholds
Set your personal PS and NS limits to filter nearly 2 million products and find foods that match your health goals.
Why Thresholds Matter
With nearly 2 million products in our database, finding healthy options can be overwhelming. Score thresholds act as your personal filter, automatically eliminating products that don't meet your standards while highlighting those that do.
The Power of Dual Thresholds
Using both PS and NS thresholds together prevents common shopping mistakes:
- • PS limit alone: Might include minimally processed junk (pure sugar)
- • NS limit alone: Might include ultra-processed "health" foods
- • Both together: Finds truly healthy options
Green (PS ≤ 3)
435,231 products
Yellow (PS 3-6)
487,652 products
Red (PS > 6)
1,049,147 products
Recommended Thresholds by Goal
🎯 Weight Loss
Focus on minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods that provide satiety without excess calories. High fiber and protein help control hunger.
Shopping List Examples:
- • Fresh vegetables and fruits (PS: 1.0, NS: 7-9)
- • Plain Greek yogurt (PS: 2.0, NS: 8.5)
- • Grilled chicken breast (PS: 2.5, NS: 8.0)
- • Quinoa and brown rice (PS: 1.5, NS: 7.0)
👨👩👧👦 Family Nutrition
Balanced approach allowing some convenience while maintaining nutrition. Perfect for busy families needing practical, healthy options.
Shopping List Examples:
- • Whole grain bread (PS: 4.5, NS: 6.0)
- • Natural peanut butter (PS: 3.0, NS: 6.5)
- • Frozen vegetables (PS: 2.0, NS: 7.5)
- • String cheese (PS: 3.5, NS: 5.5)
💪 Athletic Performance
Higher PS tolerance for protein supplements and recovery products, but strict NS requirement for optimal nutrition and performance.
Shopping List Examples:
- • Protein powder (PS: 7.0, NS: 7.5)
- • Energy bars (PS: 8.0, NS: 7.0)
- • Chocolate milk (PS: 5.5, NS: 7.0)
- • Trail mix (PS: 3.5, NS: 7.5)
💰 Budget Conscious
Focus on affordable whole foods and store brands that often score better than premium processed options at a fraction of the cost.
Shopping List Examples:
- • Dried beans and lentils (PS: 1.0, NS: 8.0)
- • Store brand oatmeal (PS: 1.5, NS: 7.0)
- • Frozen chicken thighs (PS: 2.5, NS: 7.5)
- • Canned tomatoes (PS: 2.0, NS: 6.0)
Adjust by Food Category
Different food categories have different baseline processing levels. Adjust your thresholds accordingly to find the best options within each category.
| Category | Avg PS | Good PS | Avg NS | Good NS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Produce | 1.2 | ≤ 1.5 | 7.8 | ≥ 7.0 |
| Dairy | 4.3 | ≤ 3.5 | 5.9 | ≥ 6.0 |
| Breads | 6.2 | ≤ 5.0 | 4.8 | ≥ 5.5 |
| Snacks | 11.4 | ≤ 7.0 | 3.2 | ≥ 4.5 |
| Frozen Meals | 12.8 | ≤ 9.0 | 4.5 | ≥ 5.5 |
| Beverages | 8.7 | ≤ 4.0 | 3.8 | ≥ 5.0 |
Pro Tip: In high-processing categories like snacks or frozen meals, focus more on NS to find the better options, since most will exceed ideal PS thresholds.
Smart Shopping Strategies
🛒 The Perimeter Strategy
Shop the store perimeter first where fresh, minimally processed foods live:
Perimeter (Avg PS: 2.8)
- • Produce section
- • Meat & seafood
- • Dairy & eggs
- • Bakery (fresh)
Center Aisles (Avg PS: 9.4)
- • Packaged snacks
- • Processed meals
- • Sugary cereals
- • Soft drinks
🏷️ The Label Quick Check
Before checking our app, use these quick indicators to estimate scores:
Signs of High PS:
- • 15+ ingredients
- • Words you can't pronounce
- • Multiple preservatives
- • "Natural flavors" listed
- • Modified/hydrogenated anything
Signs of Good NS:
- • Protein ≥ 5g per serving
- • Fiber ≥ 3g per serving
- • Added sugar < 5g
- • Sodium < 200mg
- • Short ingredient list
🔄 The Swap Strategy
Common swaps that dramatically improve your scores:
Store-Specific Shopping Tips
Walmart / Target
Best value for basics. Store brands often score better than name brands.
Whole Foods
Premium prices don't guarantee better scores. Check carefully.
Kroger / Safeway
Good middle ground with wide selection. Use loyalty card for savings.
Costco / Sam's
Bulk buying works best for minimally processed staples.
Try Our Threshold Tool
Use our interactive tool to set your thresholds and see how many products match:
Interactive threshold setter would appear here
Key Takeaways
- ✓Start with PS ≤ 6.5, NS ≥ 5: This balanced threshold eliminates ultra-processed foods while maintaining practical options.
- ✓Adjust by category: Snacks and frozen meals need higher PS tolerance; produce and dairy can be stricter.
- ✓Shop the perimeter: Fresh foods average PS: 2.8 vs center aisles at PS: 9.4.
- ✓Store brands win: Often score better than premium brands at 30-50% less cost.
- ✓Small swaps matter: Switching from flavored to plain yogurt can improve PS by 6 points and NS by 4.5 points.
Start Shopping Smarter Today
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.