EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (2024)

EWG Overall Score Breakdown

The product score is based on weighted scores for nutrition, ingredient and processing concerns. Generally, nutrition counts most, ingredient concerns next and degree of processing least. The weighted scores are added together to determine the final score.Read more about scores here.


EWG scored on three factors: nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. Read the full scoring methodology.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (1)

Lower concern

N
I
P

Higher concern

Lower concern

Higher concern

1

10

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click for details
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Read our full methodology

Considers calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium, protein, fiber and fruit, vegetable and nut content to differentiate between healthful and less healthful foods. For more information on nutrition concerns, read our full methodology.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (6)EWG calculates that this product is 67% sugar by weight and contains 5 teaspoons of added sugar per serving [read more]

The nutrition factors used for scoring York Peppermint Patties Dark Chocolate Covered, Peppermint Patties

Positive factors

Fruit, vegetable, bean or nut content

Protein content

Fiber content

Omega-3 fatty acids

Negative factors

Calorie density

Sugar/low-calorie sweetener content

Sodium content

Saturated fat content

Trans fat content

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (7)

Considers food additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and contaminants like mercury and BPA, which can affect human health and the environment. For more information on ingredient concerns, read methodology.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (8)This product is not certified organic [read more]

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (9)This product has 1 ingredient with concerns:

  • Natural Flavor
    This additive is of lower concern in food. Learn why.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (10)

Estimates how much the food has been processed. Considers many factors, chief among them, modification of individual ingredients from whole foods and number of artificial ingredients. For more information on processing concerns, read our full methodology.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (11)Product has been classified as having moderate processing concerns

Products with moderate and high processing concerns generally have more artificial ingredients, more ingredients that have been significantly modified from whole foods, and more ingredients overall.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (12)This product is not certified organic [read more]

Products bearing the USDA certified organic seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredient, and must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and free of genetically engineered ingredients.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (13)Contains food additives of lower concern

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (14)EWG calculates that this product is 67% sugar by weight and contains 5 teaspoons of added sugar per serving [read more]

Eating too much of any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar and dextrose are more concerning than natural sugars like raisins because they can lead to obesity by adding calories without being accompanied by important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C or fiber. Americans average 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day (NCI 2010; USDA and DHHS 2010). The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 to 12 teaspoons of added sugar a day for adults, children should eat even less (WHO 2002; WHO 2014).

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (15)Contains the non-specific ingredient "flavor" [read more]

Added "flavors" are secret and often complex mixtures of chemicals that modify and manipulate the taste and smell of food. The lack of disclosure is a public right to know issue and especially concerning to people with unusual food allergies or on restricted diets.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (16)Product has been classified as having moderate processing concerns

Natural vs. Artificial Flavors

EWG's Good Food On A Tight Budget

EWG's 2014 Shopper's Guide to Avoiding GE Food

Why GE Foods are not "Natural"

EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticide in Produce

From the Package

SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, CHOCOLATE, COCOA, INVERT SUGAR, MILK FAT, EGG WHITES, COCOA BUTTER, LECITHIN (SOY), OIL OF PEPPERMINT, PGPR, NATURAL FLAVOR.

Products remain in the database for two years after their label information is recorded in stores. A product with label information last recorded more than a year ago is marked with an * identifying it as an older product.

Products remain in the Database for two years after their label information is recorded in stores, even when they have been discontinued (products may remain in stores and pantries long past the date they cease to be manufactured). EWG marks a product it is aware has been discontinued with a banner identifying it as such.

Please note that EWG obtains the displayed images of products from third parties and that the product's manufacturer or packager may change the product's packaging at any point in time. Therefore, EWG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of images presented.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (17)This product contains the following ingredient(s) that may be genetically engineered or derived from GE crops: Corn Syrup, Sugars, Invert Sugar, and Lecithin (Soy) [read more]

Scientists have not determined whether GE food poses risks to human health. Still, consumers have many good reasons to avoid eating genetically engineered ingredients, including limited safety studies, the development of "superweeds" and increased pesticide use. For more information on the topic visit: http://www.ewg.org/research/shoppers-guide-to-avoiding-ge-foodNote: The presence or absence of genetically engineered ingredients or ingredients derived from GE crops does not affect a product's overall score.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (18)Contains ingredients derived from milk - these are considered major food allergens according to the FDA [read more]

While over 160 food ingredients may cause allergic reactions current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations stipulate that 8 major food allergens must be labeled on products. These allergens include; milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.Note: The presence of potential allergens does not affect the overall product score.

0.0 servings per container

Amount Per 27 g
Calories

100

% Daily Value(based on a 2,000 calorie diet and adult bodyweight)
Update the values for someone:

QUICK FACTS:

3.03.0%Total Fat2 g
%Protein<1 g

AVOID TOO MUCH:

Trans Fat0.0g
0.00.0%Sodium10 mg
Added Sugar Ingredients: Corn Syrup, Sugars, and Invert Sugar

NUTRIENTS:

Vitamin D (no value on present label)
0.00.0%Calcium
4.04.0%Iron
Potassium (no value on present label)

† Institute of Medicine. 2010. "Dietary Reference Intakes Tables and Application." Accessed April 8, 2014: link

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (2024)

FAQs

Are EWG food scores accurate? ›

EWG's processing score reflects our best estimate of the extent to which a particular food product has been processed. Scoring factors include the degree to which individual ingredients have been modified from whole foods and the number of artificial ingredients in a product.

How does EWG score? ›

How are scores determined? EWG's scientists base scores on weighted counts for nutrition, ingredient and processing concerns. Generally, nutrition counts most, ingredient concerns next and degree of processing least. The scores in combination determine the total product score.

What is ultraprocessed food rating? ›

The Siga Index also defines ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as those with a score below 40, which are considered to have low nutritional value and high levels of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

Can you trust EWG? ›

EWG partners with companies to certify their products. Its reports are influential with the public, but it has been criticized for exaggerating the risks of chemicals.

Is EWG backed by science? ›

Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for someone to find products that are better for their health. Look for the mark. Trust that it's backed by over two decades of science from EWG. Vote with your dollar and help us demand stricter regulations on toxic chemicals in the marketplace.

Is oatmeal a processed food? ›

Used for oatmeal, rolled oats are lightly processed to make them edible. The oat groats (grain kernels) are steamed, flattened, and dried. They still contain all three parts of the grain—the bran, germ, and endosperm—so they retain all of the fiber and other nutrients.

What are the most processed foods to avoid? ›

A list of common ultra-processed foods. Examples of ultra-processed foods include ice cream, ham, sausages, crisps, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, biscuits, carbonated drinks, fruit-flavoured yogurts, instant soups, and some alcoholic drinks including whisky, gin, and rum.

What is the 5/20 rule? ›

% Daily Value (DV) can help you. figure out if a food is HIGH or. LOW in a nutrient, Use the 5-20 Rule. If the % DV is 5 or less then it is low in that nutrient, If the% DV is 20% or more then it is high in that nutrient.

Do companies pay for EWG ratings? ›

To fund EWG Verified and EWG Reviewed for Science, companies pay a fee to participate. Q: What is the cost of EWG Reviewed for Science? A: The cost depends on the size of the company, the number of products being assessed and the timeline. Our consultancy engagements range from one month to a year in duration.

Who funds EWG? ›

EWG is an independent nonprofit organization largely funded by individual donations and grants from charitable foundations.

Is everyone brand EWG verified? ›

The Everyone brand is an EWG VERIFIED™ business, meaning our products are classified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as products made with good manufacturing processes. So you can rest assured that our ingredients are safe for you, your family and the planet.

Is peanut butter an ultra-processed food? ›

Today on “Post Reports,” a food columnist explains how ultra-processed food is actually made and gives tips for simple, healthier swaps. Chips, peanut butter, bread — these are just a few of the foods in your kitchen that could be ultra-processed, and they make up over half of the average American's diet.

Is EWG Healthy Living legit? ›

The EWG's Healthy Living app was developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving chemical safety in the US, to provide you with answers. EWG pushes industries to adopt their standards and to say no to harmful chemicals.

Do companies pay to be EWG verified? ›

To fund EWG Verified and EWG Reviewed for Science, companies pay a fee to participate. Q: What is the cost of EWG Reviewed for Science? A: The cost depends on the size of the company, the number of products being assessed and the timeline. Our consultancy engagements range from one month to a year in duration.

Where does the EWG get their data? ›

Where did the data in your database come from? EWG requested water contaminant data from public and environmental health agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We then compiled the over 31 million records we received.

References

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