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

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

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EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (2)

EWG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of images presented.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (3)

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (4)Lower scores accompany better foods.

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.

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Lower scores accompany better foods.

How it compares to other ? (Click to Learn)
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Label for Brookside Dark Chocolate Whole Almonds, Dark Chocolate captured by LabelINSIGHT on Sep 8, 2021Tell us if the product name is misspelled.

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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! (9)

Lower concern

Higher concern

Lower concern

Higher concern

1

10

click for details
click for details
click for details

Read our full methodology

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (13)

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! (14)EWG calculates that this product is 41% sugar by weight and contains 3 teaspoons of added sugar per serving [read more]

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (15)Per gram, high in protein [read more]

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (16)Good source of naturally occurring iron [read more]

The nutrition factors used for scoring Brookside Dark Chocolate Whole Almonds, Dark Chocolate

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

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (17)

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! (18)This product is not certified organic [read more]

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (19)This product has 1 ingredient with concerns:

  • Natural Vanilla 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! (20)

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! (21)Product has been classified as having high 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! (22)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! (23)Contains food additives of lower concern

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (24)EWG calculates that this product is 41% sugar by weight and contains 3 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! (25)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! (26)Per gram, high in protein [read more]

Protein is a source of amino acids that are required for the proper growth, maintenance and repair of tissues. It also provides the building blocks for important enzymes and hormones. Protein provides calories and if eaten in excess will be stored as fat. Protein is found in high amounts in beans, nuts, eggs, seafood and meat. Protein is essential to health, but eating too much also carries an environmental and health cost. Learn more: http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (27)Good source of naturally occurring iron [read more]

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Iron is also necessary for normal growth and development. Seafood, poultry and meat are good sources of well-absorbed heme iron. Absorption of iron from plant sources including beans, lentils and spinach can be increased by eating them with vitamin C-rich foods like lemon juice or tomato sauce.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (28)Product has been classified as having high 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

DARK CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE*, COCOA BUTTER*, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI*, MILK FAT, LECITHIN (SOY), SALT, PGPR, NATURAL VANILLA FLAVOR), ALMONDS, SUNFLOWER OIL, MALTODEXTRIN, CORN SYRUP, CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE.

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! (29)This product contains the following ingredient(s) that may be genetically engineered or derived from GE crops: Corn Syrup, Sugars, Maltodextrin, 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! (30)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.

2.5 servings per container

Amount Per 29 g
Calories

140

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

QUICK FACTS:

13.013.0%Total Fat10 g
%Protein3 g

AVOID TOO MUCH:

Trans Fat0.0g
1.01.0%Sodium25 mg
Added Sugar Ingredients: Corn Syrup and Sugars

NUTRIENTS:

Vitamin D (no value on present label)
0.00.0%Calcium
10.010.0%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! (31)

The Eat Well Guide helps consumers find locally grown and sustainably produced food. Listings include farms, restaurants, stores, farmers' markets, and CSAs throughout the United States.

Visit the Eat Well Guide

EWG's Good Food on a Tight Budget

EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

EWG's Good Seafood Guide

EWG's Healthy Living: Home Guide

EWG's Tap Water Database

EWG and Keep A Breast Foundation's Dirty Dozen List of Endocrine Disruptors

Sign up to receive email updates, action alerts, healthy eating tips, promotions to support our work and more from EWG! You can opt out at any time.

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

FAQs

Is EWG food score reliable? ›

The new tool is the most comprehensive food-rating database available to consumers, EWG said. Its scoring system factors in not only nutrition, but also ingredients of concern, such as food additives, and contaminants. It also estimates the degree to which foods have been processed.

What foods are good on a tight budget? ›

Eggs, beans and nuts are excellent sources of protein and easy to add to almost any dish. Add nuts to oatmeal, cereal, salads and stir-fries for a healthy, hearty meal. Raw nuts are often cheaper. Roast them for a delicious snack.

How to check if food is healthy? ›

Next time you're trying to figure out some quick ways to determine if your food is nutritious, pay attention to these 11 factors.
  1. 1) Read the ingredient list. ...
  2. 2) Look at how long the ingredient list is. ...
  3. 3) Pay attention to types of fats. ...
  4. 4) Look for "100%" ...
  5. 5) Consider convenience. ...
  6. 6) Look at the expiration date.
Apr 20, 2016

What website rates processed food? ›

Processing. The processing score reflects EWG's best estimate of the extent to which a particular food has been processed. Scoring factors include modification of individual ingredients from whole foods and the number of artificial ingredients.

Can you trust the EWG? ›

EWG Verified® recognizes products that meet EWG's strictest standards for your health. This means none of EWG's chemicals of concern. This means full transparency. This means a mark you can trust.

What are the criticisms of the EWG? ›

According to Kavin Senapathy of Science Moms, the EWG "frightens consumers about chemicals and their safety, cloaking fear mongering in a clever disguise of caring and empowerment." His main criticisms are its use of "fundamentally flawed" methodologies for evaluating food, cosmetics, children's products, and more, and ...

What is the cheapest food to survive? ›

Cheapest Foods to Live On:
  • Oatmeal.
  • Eggs.
  • Bread.
  • Rice.
  • Bananas.
  • Beans.
  • Apples.
  • Pasta.

How to survive on $20 a week for food? ›

WHAT TO BUY WITH A $20 GROCERY BUDGET
  1. 1 loaf of bread, $1.
  2. 1 (16-slice) pack cheese, $1.
  3. 1 (16-oz) pack spaghetti noodles, $1.
  4. 1 head Iceberg lettuce, $1.
  5. 2 Roma tomatoes, $1.
  6. 1 lb ground beef, $3.
  7. 1/4 lb thin-sliced deli ham, $2.
  8. 1 box mashed potato flakes, $1.

What is the cheapest food that lasts the longest? ›

10 Cheap (and Healthy) Foods that Last a Long Time
  • Dried Beans and Lentils. Average Price: Under $2 for a 1-pound bag. ...
  • Brown Rice and Other Whole Grains. Average Price: About $2 (depending on where you purchase) for a 1-pound bag. ...
  • Frozen Vegetables. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Canned Tuna. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Whey Protein. ...
  • Apples.

What are the 5 most processed foods to avoid? ›

Here is a short list of some unhealthy processed foods to avoid:
  • Sugary beverages such as sweetened coffee and tea, energy drinks and soft drinks.
  • Deli meats, hot dogs and sausages.
  • Frozen pizza and frozen meals.
  • Packaged snacks such as chips, cookies, crackers and baked goods.
  • Most breakfast cereals.
  • Canned or instant soups.
Dec 22, 2021

What is the number one unhealthiest food? ›

The Top 10 Worst Foods to Eat
  • Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and cold cuts.
  • Sodas.
  • White bread.
  • French fries.
  • Fast food burgers.
  • Donuts.
  • Processed cheese.
  • Potato chips.
2 days ago

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.

Which country eats the most ultra-processed food? ›

The United States (U.S.) is the leading country in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption (1), with UPFs accounting for about 60% of total daily caloric intake.

Are Ritz crackers ultra-processed? ›

The same company, Mondelēz International, makes crackers that would be considered ultra-processed, Ritz Original, and ones that aren't ultra-processed, Triscuit Original. Triscuit has three ingredients: whole grain wheat, canola oil and sea salt. Ritz crackers contain the emulsifier soy lecithin and natural flavor.

What is the biggest processed food company? ›

The five largest food and beverage companies in the U.S. and Canada remain PepsiCo., Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Nestle and Kraft Heinz. That's according to our annual reporting of the top food & beverage companies in North America. For an alphabetic list of all the companies, click here.

Is EWG a credible source? ›

The EWG is considered trustworthy insofar as they do good, transparent research on the most important ingredients in public health. There have been claims online by various sources that the EWG tends to slightly overstate the danger of an ingredient, but they do not ever understate danger.

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 on EWG? ›

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.

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