New online tool ranks processed foods
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, but which foods are the worst culprits? A free online database called TrueFood can now help people make more informed choices about processed foods.
Developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School, the database provides nutrition facts and ingredient information on more than 50,000 processed foods available at Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. Ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as well as additives and preservatives. Products are divided into 42 separate categories, such as crackers and mixed snacks; yogurts; prepared meals and dishes; and soft, energy, and mixed drinks.
Each product is given a single score ranging between 0 (minimally processed or unprocessed) and 100 (highly processed) compared to all the other foods within a specific category. The website also provides food substitution recommendations aimed at gently nudging consumers toward less processed alternatives, according to the scientists, who published their research describing the database on Jan. 13, 2025, in Nature Food.
Image: © fleaz/Getty Images
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
