A new database called GroceryDB has been created to evaluate over 50,000 food items available at major US retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. The database assigns a processing score to each item, highlighting the prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the modern food supply and empowering consumers to make healthier dietary choices by providing transparent nutritional information. These UPFs, which make up approximately 58 percent of calories consumed by Americans, have been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The researchers behind GroceryDB developed a machine-learning tool called the FPro algorithm to analyze ingredient lists and nutrition labels efficiently. The results, accessible through the TrueFood platform, show that while Whole Foods offers more minimally processed items, the majority of products across all three retailers remain ultra-processed. By providing insights into food processing levels and broader industry trends, GroceryDB aims to guide consumers towards less processed alternatives and promote better eating habits for improved public health.