Nova Groups: Food Processing Levels

Nova Groups (1-4) classify foods by their level of industrial processing. Understanding these groups can help you identify and potentially reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are often linked to negative health outcomes.

The Four Nova Groups:

• Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

  Edible parts of plants or animals as found in nature, or slightly altered for preservation/preparation (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, eggs, milk).

• Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients

  Substances derived from Group 1 foods or from nature, used to prepare Group 1 foods (e.g., oils, butter, sugar, salt, vinegar).

• Group 3: Processed Foods

  Simple products made by adding Group 2 ingredients to Group 1 foods (e.g., canned vegetables, freshly made breads, cheeses).

• Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)

  Industrial formulations with multiple ingredients, often including additives not used in home cooking (e.g., sugary drinks, packaged snacks, instant meals, many mass-produced breads and cereals).

Why Do Nova Groups Matter?

Research increasingly links high consumption of ultra-processed foods (Group 4) with increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Understanding Nova groups can help consumers identify and potentially reduce their intake of UPFs.

Generally, favoring foods from Groups 1 and 2, and limiting Group 4 foods, is recommended for a healthier diet.