NOVA Classification
The NOVA classification classifies all foods and beverages based on the degree and function of food processing within four following groups:
1) fresh and minimally processed foods;
2) ingredients processed culinary;
3) processed foods and
4) ultra-processed products.
Classification NOVA allow to measure, track and analyze the food consumption habits of Canadians taking into account food processing and their food patterns
Based on NOVA, our work allows to estimate consumption levels of ultra-processed products and their effects on food quality and human health. These studies aim to inform nutrition practice and the development of healthy food policies.
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1 - Fresh and minimally processed foods
Fresh and unprocessed foods:
Commeable parts of plants (seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, roots) or animals (muscles, offal, eggs, milk), as well as mushrooms, algae and water, after they have been extracted from production sites .
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Minimally processed foods: Natural foods modified by mostly physical processes, including removal of inedible or unwanted parts, drying, freezing, fermentation and pasteurization. The purpose of these processes is to preserve foods, to enable their storage, or to ensure their harmlessness or the preservation of their taste qualities.
3- Processed foods
Processed foods are minimally processed foods to which cooking ingredients have been added. These foods include canned vegetables or fish, fruit in syrup, and cheeses and breads.
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artisanal prepared from basic ingredients. These foods are eaten alone or with other foods. The purpose of processing this group of foods is the preservation of foods included in group 1, or the modification or improvement of their organoleptic qualities.
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2- Processed culinary ingredients
Culinary ingredients are foods processed through processes such as pressing, refining, crushing, milling, and drying. These ingredients, such as oil, butter, sugar and salt are used for the preparation, seasoning and cooking of Group 1 foods.
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The combination of these two groups allows the preparation of a variety of dishes and meals.
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4- Ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations composed of substances extracted and derived from foods and additives. These products typically contain few or no Group 1 foods, but rather ingredients
Group 2 culinary substances (salt, sugar and fat), in addition to other substances obtained by food fractionation (eg gluten). Soft drinks, commercial cookies and cakes, reconstituted meats (deli meats), flavored yogurts or certain prepared meals are all ultra-processed foods.