LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Researchers believe they have cracked the code on determining the level of processing — and, in turn, the healthiness — of some of our favorite food brands.
Researchers participated in a study at Mass General Brigham in Boston to create an algorithm to score foods based on its level of processing, a 100 score being the highest level for processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods typically include artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Eating high amounts of processed foods can negatively impact someone's overall health and increase a person's risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The new database of ratings is called True Food. It includes more than 50,000 items from Target, Whole Foods and Walmart.
One of the leaders on the project said the goal is for the database to better inform consumers on what they are eating. Ultimately, the next step would be for the algorithm to become a nationally accepted standard to improve public health in the U.S.
The database is free to use.
People might have also heard of the mobile phone app called Yuka. It can scan beauty and food products and reveal a rating.
The Paris based company's algorithm, uses a food's ingredient list, to give it a score. Then the app also categorizes the scores with "bad" to "excellent" labels.
In a review of the app, a nutritionist at the World Cancer Research Fund said Yuka's algorithm can be hyper-critical of additives, even when the additive listed is very small.
Regardless, both databases said they want to help people make more informed choices.
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