NOVA
The NOVA food classification system was developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. It classifies foods based on the extent and purpose of food processing, rather than on nutrients alone. This system is widely used in nutrition education, public health, and research.
Why is it called the NOVA classification?
The term “NOVA” comes from the Portuguese word nova, which means “new.”
This name was chosen by Brazilian researchers to highlight the “new” way foods are produced and consumed in the modern world, especially the rapid rise of industrially processed and ultra-processed foods.
Key Reasons Behind the Name “NOVA”
1. Focus on new food processing methods
Traditional nutrition systems classified food mainly by nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).
The NOVA system is new because it classifies food based on how much and why it is processed.
2. Attention to newly developed ultra-processed foods
Many modern foods—like instant noodles, soft drinks, packaged snacks—did not exist earlier.
The NOVA system was created to study the health impact of these new industrial foods.
3. Developed in Brazil (Portuguese language)
Since the system was developed by researchers in Brazil, the Portuguese word “NOVA” was naturally used.
In Simple Words
It is called NOVA because it offers a new perspective on food classification, emphasising modern food processing and its effects on health rather than just nutrients.
The Four NOVA Food Groups
🟢 Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods
These are natural foods altered very little after harvesting or slaughtering. Processing aims only to preserve or prepare them.
Examples:
* Fresh fruits and vegetables
* Whole grains (rice, wheat, millets)
* Pulses and legumes
* Milk, curd, plain yogurt
* Eggs, fresh meat, fish
* Nuts and seeds
Purpose of processing: Cleaning, drying, grinding, freezing, boiling
🟡 Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients
These are substances extracted from Group 1 foods or from nature and are used in cooking, not eaten alone.
Examples:
* Sugar
* Salt
* Honey
* Butter, ghee
* Vegetable oils
Purpose of processing: Pressing, refining, milling
🟠Group 3: Processed Foods
These foods are made by adding salt, sugar, or oil to Group 1 foods. They usually have 2–3 ingredients.
Examples:
* Pickles
* Jam and jelly
* Cheese
* Freshly baked bread
* Salted nuts
* Canned fruits and vegetables
Purpose of processing: Preservation, enhancing taste
🔴 Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods
These are industrially formulated products made mostly from substances extracted from foods, with additives. They are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat.
Examples:
* Soft drinks and packaged juices
* Instant noodles
* Chips, biscuits, cakes
* Chocolates, ice cream
* Fast foods (burgers, pizza)
* Breakfast cereals (sweetened)
Common additives: Flavours, colours, emulsifiers, preservatives
Why is NOVA Classification Important?
● Helps identify unhealthy ultra-processed foods
● Encourages home-cooked, natural diets
● Useful in school health education and nutrition awareness
● Linked to studies on obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each NOVA Food Category
The NOVA classification helps us understand food not just by nutrients, but by how processing affects health, society, and lifestyle. Each group has its own benefits and limitations.
🟢 Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods
Advantages
✔ Rich in natural nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants
✔ Support good digestion and immunity
✔ Lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
✔ Promote traditional diets and local foods
✔ No harmful additives or artificial chemicals
Disadvantages
✘ Short shelf life (fresh fruits, vegetables, milk)
✘ Require time and effort for cleaning and cooking
✘ Seasonal availability may limit access to some foods
🟡 Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients
Advantages
✔ Essential for cooking and food preparation
✔ Improve taste, texture, and aroma of meals
✔ Help meet energy needs (oils, ghee, sugar)
✔ Enable home cooking, reducing dependence on packaged foods
Disadvantages
✘ High intake can lead to health problems
Excess salt → high blood pressure
Excess sugar → obesity, diabetes
Excess fats → heart disease
✘ Not meant to be consumed on their own
🟠Group 3: Processed Foods
Advantages
✔ Longer shelf life than fresh foods
✔ Convenient and easy to store
✔ Usually made with few ingredients
✔ Can still retain some nutritional value
✔ Useful during travel or emergencies
Disadvantages
✘ Often contain high salt or sugar
✘ Regular consumption may reduce intake of fresh foods
✘ May encourage preference for strong flavours
🔴 Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods
Advantages
✔ Very convenient (ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat)
✔ Attractive taste and appearance
✔ Long shelf life
✔ Easily available and affordable
Disadvantages
✘ High in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats
✘ Low in dietary fibre and micronutrients
✘ Contain artificial colours, flavours, preservatives
✘ Increase risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease
✘ Can cause addiction-like eating habits
✘ Replace traditional home-cooked meals
🌱 Overall Message of NOVA
More Group 1 foods → Better health
Use Group 2 ingredients in moderation
Limit Group 3 foods
Avoid frequent consumption of Group 4 foods
✨ Do You Know?
● The NOVA system is used by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in nutrition studies.
● Diets rich in Group 1 foods are associated with better overall health.
● Ultra-processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
● The NOVA classification was introduced in 2009 by Brazilian nutrition researcher Carlos A. Monteiro and his team.
● The system helps people understand why some foods are harmful even if they seem nutritious on the label.
● Countries with diets high in ultra-processed foods show higher rates of lifestyle diseases.
● Traditional Indian meals mainly belong to Group 1 and Group 2, making them naturally healthier.
