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Understanding Ultra-Processed Food
What UPF is, why it matters, and how we measure it.
Guides in This Topic
What Are Ultra Processed Foods?
Read guideNOVA Food Classification System Explained
Read guideUltra Processed Food Ingredients to Avoid
Read guideHow to Read Food Labels for Ultra Processing
Read guideHow We Score 445K+ Products
Read guideUnderstanding the Two-Score System
Read guideHow to Read & Interpret Scores
Read guideProcessing Score Guide
Read guideComplete Nutrition Score Guide
Read guideScore Patterns in Food Categories
Read guideExplore Other Topics
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Health & Nutrition
How processing relates to nutrition, disease risk, and lifestyle.
Read guideShopping & Practical Eating
Day-to-day decisions in the store and the kitchen.
Read guideBrand Intelligence
How major brands score and where the gaps are.
Read guidePolicy & Regulation
Labels, standards, and the regulatory landscape.
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About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.