NOVA Food Classification
TL;DR
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups based on how much they've been processed. Group 1 is unprocessed or minimally processed; Group 4 is ultra-processed. Higher processing is linked to higher health risks.
What is NOVA?
NOVA is a food classification system developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo. Unlike Nutri-Score, which focuses on nutrients, NOVA focuses on the degree and purpose of food processing.
The four NOVA groups
Group 1 — Unprocessed or minimally processed
Foods altered only by drying, pasteurization, freezing, or fermentation without added substances. Examples: fresh fruits, plain rice, eggs, fresh meat, milk.
Group 2 — Processed culinary ingredients
Substances extracted from Group 1 foods used in cooking. Examples: olive oil, butter, sugar, salt, flour.
Group 3 — Processed foods
Group 1 foods modified by adding Group 2 ingredients, usually with 2–3 ingredients. Examples: canned vegetables, artisan cheese, freshly baked bread, traditional pickles.
Group 4 — Ultra-processed food products
Industrial formulations with 5 or more ingredients, often including substances not commonly used in home cooking (emulsifiers, flavour enhancers, colorants). Examples: chips, instant noodles, soft drinks, packaged snacks.
Why processing matters
Research shows that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4) is independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, cancer, and metabolic syndrome — even when the nutrient profile looks acceptable. A product can have a decent Nutri-Score but still carry high processing risk.
Polish context
Many popular products in Polish supermarkets like Żabka, Biedronka, and Lidl fall into NOVA 4. This doesn't mean you should never eat them — it means being aware of how much of your diet comes from ultra-processed sources.
How we use it: Processing Risk
in TryVit, NOVA groups are mapped to three Processing Risk levels: Low (NOVA 1–2), Moderate (NOVA 3), and High (NOVA 4). This gives you a quick read on processing alongside our TryVit Score and Nutri-Score.