Processed Food Checker

See how processed your food really is - from any ingredient list. This App gives you a clear processing score - even when there’s no barcode or database entry.

PROCESSED FOOD CHECKER

See how processed your food really is - from any ingredient list.

This App gives you a clear processing score - even when there’s no barcode or database entry.

It uses the internationally recognised NOVA 1–4 scale, which classifies foods based on their level of processing - from whole foods (Group 1) to ultra-processed products (Group 4).

Most food apps rely entirely on barcode databases.
Our App goes further.

Simply scan or enter an ingredient list, and our machine learning model analyses the ingredient composition to predict the most likely NOVA Group.

Whether you’re shopping, cooking, or analysing packaged foods at home, you can understand ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in seconds.

A free trial is available. A subscription is required for continued access after the trial.

HOW YOU CAN ANALYSE FOOD

Choose the method that works best:

• Scan a barcode (UK products supported)
 • Search for a product by name
 • Scan an ingredient list using text recognition (OCR)
 • Enter ingredients manually

No barcode?
Not in the database?
No problem.

If you can access the ingredient list, our App can analyse it.

WHAT YOU’LL SEE

• Predicted NOVA Group (1–4)
 • Ingredient and additives count
 • Full ingredient list (cleaned and structured)
 • Additives and E-numbers
 • Functional additive groups (emulsifiers, preservatives, antioxidants, etc.)
 • Clear explanations for additive categories and E-numbers

HOW IT WORKS

1. Ingredients power the analysis

When you scan a barcode or search for a product, the app retrieves ingredient data from a back-end database.
Source data is provided by Open Food Facts, a public, community-driven food database, and is refined by our analysis system. If ingredient data is missing, you can simply type or scan the ingredient list yourself.

1. Our algorithm predicts the NOVA Group

Using the available ingredients, a machine learning model predicts the most likely NOVA Group. The model was trained on nearly 100,000 food and drink products from the UK and US, along with more than 10,000 ingredients, to recognise common processing patterns.
In testing, it achieved around 97% overall accuracy across NOVA groups.

1. Analysis based on composition - not marketing

The system evaluates ingredient composition, not front-of-pack claims or branding.

WHY IT’S DIFFERENT

Most apps tell you whether a product exists in a database.
Our App evaluates the ingredients themselves.

That means you can analyse:

• Store-brand products
 • Imported foods
 • Newly released products
 • Foods not yet in any barcode database

If it has an ingredient list, it can be analysed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This App provides informational insights only and does not offer medical or dietary advice.

Predictions are based on available ingredient data and statistical modelling. Results may vary depending on ingredient completeness and formatting.

SUBSCRIPTION & FREE TRIAL

This app offers a 3-day free trial with full access to all features.

After the trial period, a subscription is required to continue using the app, including:

• Scanning and analysing ingredient lists • Viewing processing scores (NOVA classification) • Accessing additive and ingredient insights

Subscription details:

• Monthly subscription: £0.99 per month • 3-day free trial with full access • No charge if cancelled before the trial ends

Payment is charged to your Apple ID at the end of the free trial unless cancelled beforehand. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period.

You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your App Store account settings.

Privacy Policy: https://processed-food-checker.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/privacy.html

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/