Every product in What's the Score? gets a 0–100 rating from a physician-developed engine that combines peer-reviewed evidence with real-world ingredient intelligence. Here is exactly what goes into that number.
We maintain a curated database of additives, preservatives, colors, and processing aids with known or suspected health concerns — matched against EU, FDA, and EWG references. High-concern ingredients (partially hydrogenated oils, sodium nitrite, BHA/BHT, azodicarbonamide, titanium dioxide) penalize the score heavily. Moderate-concern ingredients (modified starches, mono/diglycerides, artificial flavors) apply smaller deductions. Specific known-beneficial compounds (omega-3, whole grain, olive oil, probiotics) add points — always named specifically, never labelled as a generic "beneficial".
We follow a NOVA-style classification: minimally processed, moderately processed, highly processed, and ultra-processed. A product crossing into ultra-processed territory — typically anything with 15+ ingredients, added emulsifiers, and synthetic flavor compounds — triggers a red badge regardless of any individual ingredient's safety.
We pull USDA FoodData Central records for serving-level macronutrients. Excessive sugar (> 20g/serving), sodium (> 600mg), and saturated fat all deduct points. Fiber, protein, and vitamin density add points back. For beauty products this input is replaced by EWG Skin Deep hazard scores.
USDA Organic, EWG Verified, EPA Safer Choice, Non-GMO Project, Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance all surface on the score as trust signals. Self-declared "natural" or "clean" labels carry no weight.
Active FDA / USDA recalls override the score with a warning banner regardless of ingredients. We sync recall feeds daily.
85–100 (Excellent): minimally-processed, no concerning ingredients, demonstrable positive nutrients or certifications. Buy confidently.
70–84 (Good): short ingredient list, at most one minor concern, acceptable nutrition. A safe default.
55–69 (Fair): some processed inputs, watch portion size, check for better alternatives inside the app.
40–54 (Poor): multiple moderate-concern ingredients or a long ingredient list. Consider alternatives.
0–39 (Very Poor): at least one high-concern additive or ultra-processed formulation. The "Try This Instead" card on the app will suggest a cleaner swap.
Whenever a product scores below 60, we surface the top-scoring alternative in the same sub-category — plus a one-line summary of exactly how much cleaner it is ("Alternative scores 79 vs 59 — 49% cleaner"). Our mission is not to shame any product, it is to make the cleaner choice easy. Every alternative ships with a tagged Amazon buy link so you can buy in one tap.
"Natural" claims on the label. "Clean" marketing language. Influencer endorsements. Brand halo. Packaging colors. We only score what is in the ingredients list, on the nutrition panel, and in verified third-party certifications.
Who built this: the scoring methodology was built by a practicing physician and refined against published research. It is informational — not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always talk to your own doctor about dietary changes.