About Ultra Processed Food List
Understanding our mission, methodology, and the importance of food transparency.
Our Mission
At Ultra Processed Food List, we believe that informed consumers make healthier choices. Our mission is to provide clear, accessible information about the food products we consume daily, with a particular focus on identifying and understanding ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods have become increasingly prevalent in modern diets, yet many consumers remain unaware of what makes a food "ultra-processed" or how to identify these products. Our goal is to bridge this knowledge gap by creating a comprehensive, searchable database of food products with clear indicators of processing levels.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods (oils, fats, sugar, starch), derived from food constituents (hydrogenated fats, modified starch), or synthesized in laboratories from food substrates or other organic sources (flavor enhancers, colors). These products typically contain minimal whole foods and use industrial techniques not found in home kitchens.
Research increasingly links high consumption of ultra-processed foods to various health concerns, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. However, not all processed foods are created equal, which is why we've developed our Processing Level Index to help you understand the spectrum of food processing.
Our Processing Level Index
Our proprietary Processing Level Index (PLI) rates foods on a scale from 1 to 10:
- 1-3: Minimally Processed - Foods that retain most of their inherent nutritional and physical properties
- 4-6: Moderately Processed - Foods with some industrial processing but still recognizable ingredients
- 7-10: Ultra-Processed - Formulations made mostly from substances derived from foods and additives
This scale is calculated using a comprehensive algorithm that analyzes ingredients, additives, processing methods, and nutritional composition. Our methodology page provides full details on how we determine these scores.
Our Data
We believe in transparency, which is why we want to be clear about our data sources. The food product information on our website comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service's FoodData Central. We utilize the FoodData Central API to access comprehensive food data.
The required attribution for this data source is: "U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov."
Our team processes this data to calculate our Processing Level Index, identify alternatives, and organize the information in a user-friendly format. While we strive for accuracy, product formulations change regularly, and we recommend always checking product packaging for the most current information.
Our Features
Ultra Processed Food List offers several key features to help you make informed food choices:
- Comprehensive Search - Find products by category, brand, ingredient, or name
- Detailed Product Pages - View processing levels, ingredients, and nutritional information
- Alternative Finder - Discover less processed alternatives to your favorite products
- Brand Database - Explore which companies produce ultra-processed foods
- Ingredient Database - Learn about common additives and their health implications
Our Team
Ultra Processed Food List was created by a team of health-conscious consumers passionate about food transparency. We combine expertise in nutrition science, data analysis, and web development to provide this resource to the public.
We are not affiliated with any food manufacturers, retailers, or health organizations. Our goal is to provide unbiased information that helps consumers understand what's in their food.
Contributing to Our Mission
We believe in the power of community knowledge. If you notice any inaccuracies or have suggestions for improving our database, please contact us.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Our Processing Level Index represents our analysis and interpretation of food processing and should be used as one of many tools when making dietary decisions. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized nutritional guidance.
For more information about our data usage and attribution, please visit our Data Attribution page.
Contact Us
Have questions, suggestions, or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
Visit our contact page to get in touch with us.
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