Question 1

What is a NOVA food score?

Accepted Answer

NOVA is a food classification system developed by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo. It groups foods into 4 categories: 1 = unprocessed or minimally processed, 2 = processed culinary ingredients, 3 = processed foods, 4 = ultra-processed. Ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4) are linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Question 2

How do I check if a food is ultra-processed?

Accepted Answer

Search by product name or scan the barcode on onlyonlywholefood.com. Each product gets a NOVA group (1-4) and an overall health score. NOVA 4 means ultra-processed.

Question 3

What is Nutri-Score?

Accepted Answer

Nutri-Score is a European front-of-pack nutrition label that grades food from A (most nutritious) to E (least nutritious) based on calories, sugar, salt, saturated fat, fiber, and protein per 100g.

Question 4

What ingredients make a food ultra-processed?

Accepted Answer

Ultra-processed foods typically contain additives like high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, colors, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and other substances not found in home cooking. If the ingredient list contains things you would not find in a kitchen, it is likely ultra-processed.

Question 5

Is onlyonlywholefood free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Scanning and searching products is free. A Pro plan adds unlimited scan history, detailed ingredient breakdowns, and receipt Cart Breakdown scoring.

Know what's actually
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Know what's actuallyin your groceries.

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Know what's actually
in your groceries.