Noom's food color evolution: From red to orange
For many years, the Noom app used a red-yellow-green color system to guide users' food choices. However, critics pointed out that the red designation, which often included calorie-dense but healthy items like nut butters and avocados, could create a sense of guilt or negativity, similar to a traffic stoplight. As a result, Noom made a significant shift around 2022, changing the 'red' category to 'orange'. This change was a deliberate psychological move to frame these foods not as 'bad' but as items to be eaten in smaller, more mindful portions. The core principle of calorie density remained the same, but the language around it evolved to be more positive and aligned with building sustainable habits.
The latest update: Emphasizing protein in the nutrition diet
Most recently, Noom has made further updates to its food color system, specifically to better reflect the nutritional value of protein-rich foods. As of May 2025, many high-protein foods previously categorized as 'yellow,' such as chicken breast and turkey, have been reclassified as 'green'. This change is part of a broader strategy to support users on protein-focused diets and those participating in programs like Noom Med. By bumping these foods into the green category, Noom is encouraging larger portions of lean protein, which aids in satiety and muscle maintenance during weight loss.
Understanding the current green, yellow, and orange system
The updated Noom system operates on the following principles, which are still based on calorie density and nutrient concentration:
- Green Foods: These have the lowest calorie density and/or the highest concentration of healthy nutrients. They include most fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Users are encouraged to make green foods the bulk of their intake.
- Yellow Foods: These have a higher calorie density and/or fewer healthy nutrients per serving than green foods. They are meant to be consumed in moderate portions. The yellow category includes lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and some starchy vegetables.
- Orange Foods: These are the most calorie-dense and/or contain the least healthy nutrients per serving. They should be eaten less frequently and in smaller portions. Examples include oils, nuts, and full-fat dairy.
How the Noom food color changes impact diet and psychology
The updates reflect Noom's underlying psychological approach to weight loss. The changes from 'red' to 'orange' and the reclassification of proteins address key user experiences:
- Reducing Food Guilt: By eliminating the red 'stoplight' color, Noom aims to reduce the negative psychological association that can lead to shame or guilt when eating higher-calorie foods. The orange color encourages mindful portion control rather than complete restriction.
- Promoting Satiety and Protein Intake: The shift of lean proteins to the green category highlights the importance of protein in a healthy diet. Protein is known to increase feelings of fullness, helping users stay within their daily calorie budget without feeling deprived.
- Encouraging Whole Foods: The system consistently nudges users toward whole, unprocessed foods. For instance, whole-grain options often receive a better color rating than refined alternatives, even with similar calorie counts.
Noom food color categories compared
| Feature | Original System (Pre-2022) | Current System (Post-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Most calorie-dense | Red | Orange |
| Moderately calorie-dense | Yellow | Yellow |
| Least calorie-dense | Green | Green |
| Color change | Red was seen as a negative 'stop' color. | Orange was adopted to encourage mindful consumption, not prohibition. |
| Protein example (chicken breast) | Often categorized as Yellow | Now categorized as Green |
| Psychological focus | Avoidance of 'bad' foods | Mindful portion control of all foods |
Conclusion
Yes, Noom has changed its food colors, most notably by replacing the 'red' category with 'orange' and, more recently, by moving many lean protein sources into the 'green' category. These updates represent an evolution in the company's approach to nutrition, aiming to provide a more positive and effective psychological framework for healthy eating. The current system emphasizes mindful portion control over restriction and better reflects the role of nutrient-dense proteins in a balanced diet. By understanding these changes, users can better leverage the app's guidance to achieve their health goals. For more on Noom's philosophy, you can visit their official blog.
