How we score
Every CleanPlate score is a three part code, like BA3. Each part is graded on its own. No brand pays for a rating, and every score comes from the product's published label.
01 Nutritional value, A to E
How much real nutrition does the product deliver? We score eight core nutrients: protein, dietary fibre, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. Each is measured against ICMR-NIN 2020 reference values, both per 100 g and per 100 kcal, so a calorie-dense product can't look nutritious just by being heavy.
- Protein quality counts. Protein is weighted by digestibility (DIAAS). Dairy and eggs count in full; wheat and nuts count half.
- Fortification counts, conservatively. Added vitamins and minerals get 50% credit (vitamin C gets full credit). If fortification changes the grade, the score carries an [F].
02 Ingredient integrity, A to E
How clean and whole is the ingredient list? We score six dimensions.
| Dimension | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Base processing | Whole grains, pulses and real foods vs refined flour and isolates |
| Fat and oil quality | Cold pressed and traditional fats vs palm oil and hydrogenated fats |
| Sweeteners | No added sugar vs sugar, syrups and artificial sweeteners |
| Additive burden | How many additives, and which ones |
| Colour | Natural colours vs synthetic dyes |
| Flavour | Real ingredients vs artificial flavouring |
Serious red flags cut the whole ingredient score: banned dyes, partially hydrogenated oils, potassium bromate, and the “Southampton Six” azo dyes. Only the most severe one applies. They never stack.
03 Risk nutrients, 1 to 5
How risky is eating this regularly? We score added sugar and sodium per 100 kcal and saturated fat per 100 g, then apply a penalty for trans fat. 1 is clean. 5 is a product to avoid.
The verdict
| Verdict | What it means |
|---|---|
| Excellent, Very good | A strong everyday choice |
| Good | Reasonable, with a trade-off or two |
| Fair | Occasional use |
| Poor, Very poor | A rare treat, or worth swapping out |
What we don't do
- We don't take money, samples or sponsorships from food brands.
- We don't grade on a curve. Cheese is scored on its real sodium and saturated fat, like everything else.
- We don't score whole, unprocessed foods like milk, eggs or grains. The method is built for packaged products.
Scores assume an Indian adult eating about 2000 kcal a day (ICMR-NIN 2020). They are general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own needs.