The NOVA Food Classification System: A Complete Guide


What is NOVA Food?

The term NOVA food refers to a system that categorizes foods based on the extent and purpose of their processing. Unlike traditional nutrition labels that focus on calories, protein, or fat, the NOVA classification looks at how much a food has been altered from its natural state.

What is the NOVA Food Classification System?

Developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the NOVA food classification system divides foods into four main groups:

  1. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods – fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, milk.

  2. Processed culinary ingredients – oils, butter, sugar, salt.

  3. Processed foods – canned vegetables, cheeses, freshly made bread.

  4. Ultra-processed foods – packaged snacks, sugary drinks, fast food.

This framework helps us understand how food processing impacts nutrition and health.

Understanding the NOVA Food Classification System

The NOVA classification of food is widely used in research, public health policy, and nutrition education. It goes beyond traditional nutrient-based analysis by highlighting the health risks of ultra-processed food (NOVA classification group 4). Studies have linked high intake of these foods with obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

NOVA Classification of Food Processing

Each step in food processing—from milling grains to producing ready-to-eat snacks—affects nutritional quality. The NOVA classification of food processing helps consumers identify whether a food is closer to its natural state or has been heavily modified with additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

NOVA Food Classification Chart

A NOVA food classification chart is often used to provide a visual overview of the system. These charts make it easier to see which foods fall into each group. For example, an apple belongs to group 1 (unprocessed), apple pie to group 3 (processed), and packaged apple-flavored snacks to group 4 (ultra-processed).


Best Practices for Applying the NOVA Food Classification

When it comes to best practices for applying the NOVA food classification, nutritionists and health professionals recommend:

  • Prioritize minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fresh proteins.

  • Limit ultra-processed foods such as chips, sodas, instant noodles, and frozen meals.

  • Use the NOVA food classification chart to make healthier shopping and eating decisions.

NOVA Food Products and Supplements

Many NOVA food products are marketed as healthy, but fall into the ultra-processed category because of additives or artificial ingredients. Even some NOVA food supplements may be classified as ultra-processed, depending on how they are made. Consumers should carefully evaluate labels and processing levels, not just the nutrient claims.

Why the NOVA Classification Matters

The food NOVA system is more than an academic tool—it’s a practical guide for making healthier food choices. By asking “what is NOVA classification?” or “how does this food fit into the NOVA food classification system?”, individuals can better understand the long-term impact of their diet.

Final Thoughts

The NOVA classification of food provides a clear way to look beyond calories and nutrients, focusing instead on the role of processing. From understanding the ultra-processed food NOVA classification to recognizing the value of fresh, whole foods, this system empowers us to eat more mindfully. Making small shifts toward minimally processed choices can significantly improve health and well-being.
To learn more about the NOVA foods and it's impact on mental well-being, visit the Center for Nutritional Psychology.

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