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

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (1)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! (2)Contains food additives of lower concern

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (3)Contains 4 of EWG's top food additives of concern: RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, and YELLOW 6 LAKE

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (4)Contains ingredients that may contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats: Canola Oil and Corn Oil [read more]

Both refined oils and fully hydrogenated oils contain small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats and contribute to the total intake of trans fat in the diet (Biofortis 2014). Artificial trans fats are generated in refined oils when they are processed at high temperatures from the crude oil into a bland, odorless, colorless oil (Greyt 1999). A 2012 study conducted by FDA scientists estimated that refined oil contributes an average 0.6 grams of trans fat a day (Doell 2012). The World Health Organization recommends limits on trans fat of less than 1 to 2 grams a day—in this context, it’s easy to see that 0.6 grams is not an insignificant contribution. In the case of fully hydrogenated oils, they should theoretically be free of trans fat, but since no hydrogenation process is 100 percent efficient, trans fats are often found in fully hydrogenated oils at low levels (FDA 2013). The United States Department of Agriculture National Nutrition Database has tested refined, partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated oils and found trans fats in all of them (USDA 2013).Textbooks for food scientists reveal that the mono and di-glycerides and other emulsifiers are often made from hydrogenated fats (Hasenhuettl and Hartel 2008) and at temperatures above 220°C (Sikorski and Kolakowka 2011). Emulsifiers produced from hydrogenated fats “contain measurable concentrations" of trans fats (Hasenhuettl and Hartel 2008).Unfortunately, due to lack of label disclosure and the trans fat labeling loophole, only the food scientists will ever know just how much trans fat these refined oils and emulsifiers are contributing to foods and the American diet.

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (5)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! (6)Contains 22% of the Institute of Medicine's daily sodium (salt) recommendations based on adequate intake [read more]

This product contains a high percentage of the Institute of Medicine's recommended adequate intake for sodium of 1500 mg a day (IOM 2005). This value is much lower than what the FDA requires be listed on food labels -- 2400 mg.Americans average 3,400 mg of sodium a day. Most of this sodium comes from processed foods where sodium is added to mask the lack of freshness by enhancing the flavor, texture or palatability and extending shelf-life (IOM 2010). Many of these uses are for the manufacturers benefit and not the consumer's health as excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease (IOM 2010).

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (7)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! (8)This product contains added sugar ingredients: Sugars and Dextrose [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! (9)Product has been classified as having high processing concerns

EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! (10)Includes ingredient(s) derived from animals that were possibly treated with antibiotics and/or growth promoters: Milk (Fat Free), Cheese (Cheddar), Milk, Buttermilk, and Cheese Culture [read more]

This food contains ingredient(s) from animals that were possibly treated with antibiotics and artificial growth promoters.

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

CORN, VEGETABLE OIL (CORN, CANOLA, SOYBEAN, AND/OR SUNFLOWER OIL), LESS THAN 2% OF MALTODEXTRIN (MADE FROM CORN), SALT, WHEY, CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), BUTTERMILK, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, ARTIFICIAL COLOR (RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5), NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, ROMANO CHEESE (COW'S MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), ONION POWDER, CITRIC ACID, SPICES, DEXTROSE, TOMATO POWDER, POTASSIUM SALT, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, LACTOSE, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM CASEINATE, SUGAR, GARLIC POWDER, SKIM MILK, RED AND GREEN BELL PEPPERS, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, DISODIUM INOSINATE, AND DISODIUM GUANYLATE

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 does EWG stand for in food? ›

About EWG's Food Scores

Environmental Working Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, EIN 52-2148600. Data provided by LabelINSIGHT®. Content Copyright © 2024, EWG. All Rights Reserved.

What is the best food database? ›

FooDB is the world's largest and most comprehensive resource on food constituents, chemistry and biology. It provides information on both macronutrients and micronutrients, including many of the constituents that give foods their flavor, color, taste, texture and aroma.

How does EWG rating work? ›

EWG combines the three separate ratings - nutrition, ingredient concerns and processing - into a single score for each food product. These overall scores represent our integrated assessment of the food. Scores range from 1 (best) to 10 (worst).

What is the EWG controversy? ›

Environmental Working Group has opposed the use of zero carbon nuclear energy and faced criticism for its scientific methods and exaggerations of toxicological risks.

Can I trust 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.

Who is behind EWG? ›

In 1993, the Environmental Working Group was founded by Ken Cook and Richard Wiles. EWG is headquartered in Washington, D.C.. Its lobbying organization, the EWG Action Fund (a 501(c)(4) organization) was founded in 2002. EWG partners with companies to certify their products.

Is EWG government owned? ›

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

How to know if a food is healthy or not? ›

10 quick and easy ways to tell if a food is nutritious
  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. ...
  7. 7) Consider where you are in the grocery store. ...
  8. 8) Focus on fiber.
Apr 20, 2016

Who has the best food security? ›

Finland

What is the best website to check food nutrition? ›

General Nutrition Information
  • www.eatright.org. ...
  • http://www.choosemyplate.gov. ...
  • http://www.fda.gov/food/default.htm. ...
  • http://www.nutrition.gov. ...
  • http://www.usda.gov/cnpp. ...
  • www.cspinet.org. ...
  • www.consumerlab.com. ...
  • www.myfitnesspal.com.
Aug 26, 2013

Who is the most accurate source of nutrition information? ›

Registered dietitians or professionals with advanced degrees in the field of nutrition are the most credible sources for sound nutrition advice.

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.

What do dermatologists think of EWG? ›

Zoe Draelos, a consulting professor at the Duke University School of Medicine and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, who also tests sunscreen products in her laboratory, applauds the EWG for looking at the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens, but feels the group is making unfair “sweeping ...

Is EWG app free? ›

The app EWG's Healthy Living is completely free and available for download on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store. The app rates personal care products, food, and household cleaners.

Where does EWG obtain its 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.

Is EWG a good charity? ›

Rating Information

This charity's score is 91%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.

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.

References

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