How we score

One number, with the reasons behind it.

A 0–100 score from four parts, worked out from each product's ingredients and label.

35%
30%
20%
15%
IngredientsSourcingProcessingTransparency Share of the final score
Ingredients35%
What's in it, versus the whole-food version.
Raises the score
A short list of whole-food ingredients
No added sugar, seed oils or dyes
Lowers the score
Synthetic preservatives and flavorings
Refined flour, gums and thickeners
Sourcing30%
Where it comes from and how it was grown or raised.
Raises the score
A named farm or growing region
Pasture-raised, grass-fed or regenerative
Lowers the score
No origin given at all
Long or unclear supply chains
Processing20%
How far the product has moved from its original form.
Raises the score
Sold close to its whole form
Traditional methods like fermenting or curing
Lowers the score
Ultra-processed formulations
Extruded or reconstituted products
Transparency15%
Whether the claims on the package can be checked.
Raises the score
Third-party certifications
Specific, verifiable claims
Lowers the score
Vague terms like "farm fresh"
Claims we cannot verify

Same aisle, different scores

Two beef products, broken down the same way.
Ridgeback Ranch Grass-Fed Ground Beef 85/15 95 · Excellent
Ingredients
99
Sourcing
96
Processing
94
Transparency
88

Single ingredient, grass-finished, with a named ranch and a named processor. Regenerative certification is current and verifiable.

Trailhead Provisions Original Beef Jerky 56 · Fair
Ingredients
58
Sourcing
50
Processing
55
Transparency
64

Recognizable ingredients and no synthetic preservatives, but 7 g of added sugar per serving and high sodium. Celery powder acts as a nitrite cure while allowing an "uncured" label.

What the numbers mean
85–100 Excellent Whole food, clearly sourced
70–84 Good Minor additives or less detail
50–69 Fair Worth comparing alternatives
0–49 Poor Heavily processed or unclear
Nothing goes live without a person
01
Farm or brand submitsIngredients, sourcing and where it's sold.
02
AI checkReads ingredients, drafts a score, flags vague claims.
03
Human reviewA reviewer verifies claims and the score.
04
PublishedOnly approved products go live, with the reasons shown.