Processing Score Methodology

Understanding our 4-level food processing classification system and how we calculate processing scores.

What is the Processing Score?

The Processing Score is our proprietary metric that evaluates the degree of industrial processing in food products. Unlike simplistic categorizations, our score provides a nuanced assessment ranging from 1 to over 30, which we then map to our 4-level classification system for easier understanding.

This approach recognizes that food processing exists on a spectrum and helps consumers make more informed choices about the foods they eat.

4-Level Classification System

1

Minimally Processed

Single ingredient or minimal processing

Processing Score Range: ≤ 2.5

Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed

Typical Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, plain yogurt, eggs, nuts, legumes

2

Processed

Basic processing with simple additives

Processing Score Range: 2.6 - 5.0

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed

Typical Examples: Bread, cheese, canned vegetables, smoked meats, butter

3

Highly Processed

Multiple additives and processing techniques

Processing Score Range: 5.1 - 8.0

Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
Level 3
Highly Processed

Typical Examples: Flavored yogurts, breakfast cereals, jarred sauces, deli meats

4

Ultra-Processed

Industrial formulations with many additives

Processing Score Range: > 8.0

Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
Level 4
Ultra-Processed

Typical Examples: Soft drinks, packaged snacks, instant noodles, frozen pizzas, candy bars

Current Distribution

15.7%
Level 1
27.9%
Level 2
25.4%
Level 3
31.0%
Level 4

Calculation Methodology

Our Processing Score is calculated using a sophisticated algorithm that analyzes ingredient lists to identify markers of industrial processing. The score starts with a base value determined by the overall nature of the product, then accumulates penalties based on specific ingredients.

Base Score Assignment

  • Single ingredient (1.0): Whole foods like apples, eggs, or milk
  • 2-3 ingredients (2.0): Simple combinations
  • 4-5 ingredients (3.0): Basic processed foods
  • 6-10 ingredients (4.0): Standard processed products
  • 11-20 ingredients (5.0): Complex processed foods
  • 20+ ingredients (6.0+): Highly complex formulations

Cumulative Penalties

Each type of industrial processing marker adds to the base score:

Artificial ingredients:+2.0 each
High Fructose Corn Syrup:+1.5
Artificial colors:+1.5 each
Artificial flavors:+1.5
Artificial sweeteners:+1.5 each
Hydrogenated oils:+1.5
Preservatives:+1.0 each
MSG:+1.0
Modified ingredients:+0.8 each
Enriched ingredients:+0.8 each
Corn syrup:+0.8
Emulsifiers & gums:+0.5 each
Natural flavors:+0.5

Additional Considerations

Products with extremely long ingredient lists receive additional penalties:

  • • Products with 20-30 ingredients: +0.05 per ingredient above 20
  • • Products with 30+ ingredients: +0.1 per ingredient above 30

This reflects the increased likelihood of ultra-processing in products with dozens of ingredients.

Key Ingredient Categories

🧪 Artificial Ingredients

Synthetic compounds not found in nature

Examples: Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5), artificial flavors, synthetic sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose)

🏭 Industrial Sweeteners

Highly refined or synthetic sweetening agents

Examples: High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids, dextrose, maltodextrin

🧫 Modified Ingredients

Chemically or enzymatically altered components

Examples: Modified corn starch, hydrolyzed proteins, protein isolates

🛡️ Preservatives

Chemical compounds that extend shelf life

Examples: Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, BHA/BHT, calcium propionate

Important Considerations

Not a Health Score

The Processing Score indicates the degree of industrial processing, not nutritional value. Some minimally processed foods may be high in calories or sodium, while some processed foods may be fortified with nutrients. Always consider multiple factors when making food choices.

Use Alongside Nutrition Score

For a complete picture, we recommend using the Processing Score in conjunction with our Nutrition Score, which evaluates the nutritional quality of foods based on their macro and micronutrient profiles.

Context Matters

Individual dietary needs vary. Some processed foods may be appropriate or even beneficial in certain contexts (e.g., fortified foods for specific deficiencies, shelf-stable foods for emergency supplies, or specialized medical foods).

Data Sources & Limitations

  • USDA FoodData Central: Primary source for product and ingredient data
  • OpenFoodFacts: Supplementary data for product images and additional details
  • FDA GRAS Database: Safety ratings and E-numbers for ingredients
  • Ingredient Parsing: Our system processes over 30 million ingredient relationships
  • Regular Updates: Database refreshed periodically to capture new products and reformulations

Known Limitations

  • Cannot determine exact quantities of ingredients (only order)
  • Some products may have incomplete ingredient lists
  • Regional variations in formulations may not be captured
  • New processing techniques may not be immediately recognized
  • Home-prepared versions of similar foods are not in our database

Last Updated: December 2024

Our methodology is continuously refined based on the latest food science research and user feedback.