Food Compass 2.0

The most comprehensive nutrient profiling system validated by cutting-edge research. Evaluating 54 attributes across 9 health-relevant domains to score foods from 1-100.

NEW:Food Compass 2.0 published in Nature Food (Oct 2024)
9,273
Foods & Beverages Analyzed
7%
Lower Mortality Risk
50,000
Adults in Validation Study

Comprehensive Analysis Tools

Leverage the power of Food Compass 2.0 with our suite of analytical tools

Latest Research & Validation

Food Compass 2.0 represents the culmination of cutting-edge nutritional science, validated in the largest study of its kind

What's New in Food Compass 2.0

Enhanced Ingredient Analysis
Updated data on specific ingredients and emerging nutrients
Refined Processing Evaluation
Improved NOVA classification integration and processing penalties
Latest Diet-Health Evidence
Incorporates 2024 research findings on food-health relationships
Expanded Food Database
Analysis of 9,273 unique food and beverage items

Key Research Findings

7% Lower Risk
All-cause mortality reduction per standard deviation increase in diet FCS
Enhanced Validity
Stronger associations with health outcomes compared to other nutrient profiling systems
Food Category Updates
Meaningful score improvements for seafood (+9), eggs (+8), and meat products

FCS 2.0 Score Distribution

23%
Score ≥70
Encourage Daily
Most seafood (82%), legumes (80%), nuts (89%), vegetables (63%), and fruits (53%)
46%
Score 31-69
Consume in Moderation
Most meat (52%), poultry (91%), eggs (89%), and dairy products (73%)
31%
Score ≤30
Minimize Consumption
Most beverages (54%) and animal fats (92%), ultra-processed foods

Note: FCS 2.0 shows enhanced differentiation compared to other systems like Health Star Rating, Nutri-Score, and NOVA processing classification, providing more nuanced nutritional assessment.

FCS Interpretation by User Type

For Individuals

Daily Food Choices:
  • Aim for foods with FCS ≥70 to comprise majority of your diet
  • Use FCS 31-69 foods in moderation as part of balanced meals
  • Limit FCS ≤30 foods to occasional treats
Health Benefits:

Higher overall diet FCS associated with 7% lower mortality risk and improved cardiometabolic markers.

For Businesses

Product Development:
  • Target FCS ≥70 for premium health-focused products
  • Use FCS to optimize recipes and reformulations
  • Compare products against competitors scientifically
Marketing Advantages:

Evidence-based nutritional claims supported by peer-reviewed research and validated methodology.

For Government/Policy

Policy Applications:
  • Inform taxation policies based on nutritional quality
  • Establish procurement standards for public institutions
  • Guide front-of-pack labeling regulations
Population Health:

Comprehensive tool for evaluating food environment and informing public health interventions.

The Nine Health-Relevant Domains

Food Compass 2.0 evaluates 54 attributes across nine evidence-based domains, providing the most comprehensive nutritional assessment available

⚖️

Nutrient Ratios

Balanced relationships between macronutrients, omega fatty acids, and key mineral ratios

🌟

Vitamins

Essential vitamin content focusing on the top 5 most health-relevant vitamins per food category

⛰️

Minerals

Critical mineral density evaluation of the top 5 most important minerals for each food type

🥬

Food Ingredients

Assessment of whole food components, plant-based ingredients, and beneficial compounds

🧪

Additives

Evaluation of processing additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients impact

🏭

Processing

NOVA classification integration with enhanced penalties for ultra-processed foods

🫒

Specific Lipids

Detailed fatty acid profiles including omega-3, omega-6, and trans fat content

💪

Fiber & Protein

Structural and functional nutrient assessment for satiety and metabolic health

🌿

Phytochemicals

Plant-based bioactive compounds with proven health benefits and antioxidant properties

NOVA Processing Integration

Enhanced Processing Assessment: Food Compass 2.0 integrates NOVA classification into Domain 6 (Processing) with refined penalty scoring based on the latest research on ultra-processed foods.

🥬 Group 1

Minimally Processed

Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy

Score: 0 (Optimal)

🧈 Group 2

Culinary Ingredients

Oils, butter, sugar, salt for cooking

Score: -6

🥫 Group 3

Processed Foods

Canned vegetables, cheese, simple breads

Score: -7.5

🍟 Group 4

Ultra-Processed

Industrial formulations with additives

Score: -10 (Max Penalty)

Scientific Foundation

Food Compass 2.0 is based on peer-reviewed research published in Nature Food, one of the world's leading scientific journals. This system represents the most comprehensive and validated approach to food nutritional assessment available today.

RESEARCH CITATION
Barrett, E.M., Shi, P., Blumberg, J.B. et al. Food Compass 2.0 is an improved nutrient profiling system to characterize healthfulness of foods and beverages.
Nature Food 5, 911–915 (2024).https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-01053-3