Transform Your Diet: Discover the New Online Tool to Slash Ultra-Processed Foods!

In today’s health-conscious world, understanding the level of food processing is vital for making informed dietary choices. A groundbreaking resource known as TrueFood aims to assist consumers in recognizing which foods are more or less processed, specifically targeting products available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. By utilizing this innovative tool, you can make better decisions for your health and wellbeing.

Over recent years, there has been growing concern over the impact of ultra-processed foods on public health. These foods are linked to serious issues such as heart disease, obesity, and even certain cancers. Disturbingly, nearly 70% of the food supply in the U.S. falls into this ultra-processed category, making it challenging to completely avoid them. With the introduction of TrueFood, a new resource developed by researchers from several prestigious medical centers and universities—including Northeastern University and Harvard Medical School—consumers now have an easier way to navigate this complex food landscape.

Understanding Food Processing Levels

Before we dive deeper into the TrueFood tool, it’s essential to recognize that food processing exists on a spectrum. Scientists classify foods using the NOVA scale, which categorizes them into four distinct groups:

• Unprocessed and minimally processed: These are foods in their natural state or barely altered, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk.
• Processed culinary ingredients: This category includes foods created through minimal processing methods like pressing or milling, including olive oil and almond flour.
• Processed: Foods in this group are altered from their natural state and often include added ingredients like sugar, oil, or salt. Examples include fruit in syrup, canned fish, or cured meats.
• Ultra-processed: These foods undergo significant processing and contain additional artificial ingredients for flavor, texture, or shelf life, such as chips and energy bars.

How the TrueFood Tool Works

The development of TrueFood is rooted in a comprehensive study published in the journal Nature Food. This research employed machine learning techniques to create a database called GroceryDB, which encompasses over 50,000 food items.

“TrueFood is a byproduct of the study,” explained Gordana Ispirova, PhD, a co-author of the study and a researcher at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. “It’s not the first thought we had.”

The database categorizes a variety of commonly purchased items, from mac and cheese to yogurt, assigning each a processing score that reflects its level of processing. Foods closest to zero are the least processed, while scores above 70 indicate ultra-processed food products.

In addition to the processing score, each item comes with a detailed list of nutrition facts and an ingredient breakdown to help consumers understand what goes into the foods they purchase.

To use the TrueFood tool, simply search for a food category or enter a product name in the search bar to view its processing ranking. The tool encourages individuals to look beyond a simple “processed” label and gain more nuanced insights into their food choices.

Making Informed Grocery Decisions

While some processed foods have garnered a negative reputation, it’s important to note that not all processed items should be avoided. “Processed and ultra-processed foods aren’t always bad,” said Antonette Hardie, RDN, a dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Items like protein powders and certain breads may fall into these categories yet still provide nutritional benefits.

When possible, Hardie recommends choosing whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats because they are typically the healthiest and least processed options. However, this doesn’t imply that all processed foods are harmful:

• Opt for whole foods for better nutritional value.
• Understand that processed foods can still fit into a balanced diet.
• Utilize TrueFood to help assess the quality of processed foods.

The TrueFood tool is particularly valuable for understanding why a product may be considered highly processed. However, it currently only covers items available in three major stores, which may limit its comprehensiveness. If your desired product isn’t included, you might not receive the guidance you seek.

For the items listed within the TrueFood database, Ispirova advises making decisions grounded in both the overall processing score and the ingredient list. Moreover, Hardie emphasizes the significance of being vigilant about what you’re purchasing: “Always read food labels,” she said.

By leveraging the insights provided by TrueFood, consumers can become more informed shoppers, choosing foods that align with their health goals while navigating the complexities of food processing.