Understanding the NOVA Food Classification System
To determine if Goodles is ultra processed, we must first understand the framework used for classification. The NOVA system, developed by Brazilian scientists, categorizes foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing, not just their nutrient content. It divides all foods into four groups:
- Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods. This group includes foods in their natural state or that have undergone minimal alterations, such as washing, peeling, or freezing. Examples are fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and plain milk.
- Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients. These are substances derived from Group 1 foods through industrial processes like pressing or milling, and are used to season or cook other foods. Examples include sugar, salt, butter, and vegetable oils.
- Group 3: Processed foods. Created by adding Group 2 ingredients (salt, sugar, oil) to Group 1 foods. The main purpose is preservation and enhanced palatability. Examples include canned vegetables, cheeses, and freshly baked breads.
- Group 4: Ultra-processed foods (UPF). These are industrial formulations made from food substances derived from other foods, and often include additives, preservatives, flavors, and emulsifiers not typically used in home cooking. They are designed to be convenient, highly palatable, and have a long shelf-life.
Goodles: A Look at the Ingredients and Processing
Goodles markets itself as a better-for-you mac and cheese, emphasizing its protein, fiber, and prebiotic content derived from plant-based extracts. However, a closer look at the ingredients list is necessary to properly assess its processing level. Let's analyze a typical flavor like 'Cheddy Mac' based on the NOVA criteria:
- Goodles Noodles: Ingredients like wheat flour, chickpea protein, and wheat protein are combined with nutrients extracted from organic plants like spinach, kale, and mushrooms. The process of extracting specific nutrients from whole foods and incorporating them into a reformulated noodle is a key indicator of industrial ultra-processing. The noodle itself is not a whole food, but an industrial concoction of various food derivatives.
- Cheese Blend: The cheese packet contains a mix of ingredients beyond just cheese, including buttermilk, whey, salt, and coloring like paprika and turmeric. It also includes disodium phosphate, an additive used to enhance stability and texture, which is a common marker for ultra-processed products.
While Goodles avoids some of the most common artificial ingredients, like synthetic colors and flavors, its reliance on industrial formulations, extracted nutrients, and food additives like disodium phosphate places it squarely within the NOVA Group 4 classification. The European-based food database Open Food Facts, which uses the NOVA system, has also classified a Goodles product as ultra-processed.
Goodles vs. Traditional Mac and Cheese: A Comparison
To put Goodles' processing into context, let's compare its composition to other boxed mac and cheese options.
| Feature | Goodles (e.g., Cheddy Mac) | Traditional Brand (e.g., Kraft) | NOVA Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noodle Base | Wheat flour + chickpea & wheat protein + extracted plant nutrients | Enriched macaroni product (wheat flour, niacin, iron, etc.) | Both are based on industrially produced ingredients. Goodles' use of extracted nutrients and prebiotics reinforces UPF status. |
| Cheese Powder | Blend of real cheese, whey, buttermilk, salt, and additives like disodium phosphate. | Whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, citric acid, sodium phosphate, yellow 5, yellow 6. | Both rely on a complex, shelf-stable powder. Goodles avoids artificial colors and uses different additives. |
| Additives | Uses disodium phosphate. Avoids artificial colors and preservatives. | Uses sodium tripolyphosphate and artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. | Both contain industrial additives. Goodles' additives are perceived as 'cleaner' but still classify it as ultra-processed. |
| Nutritional Profile | Higher in protein (15g) and fiber (6g) due to added ingredients. | Lower in protein and fiber. | Superior nutrient profile for Goodles, but doesn't change its processing category. |
| Marketing | Positioned as a 'healthier,' 'cleaner,' and 'gooder' alternative. | Positioned as classic, convenient comfort food. | Both rely heavily on marketing. Goodles' messaging is focused on wellness. |
Why Nutritional Profile Isn't the Only Factor
The table highlights a crucial point: a higher nutritional count does not equate to a less processed product. The NOVA system disregards nutritional content for classification. While Goodles' nutrient enhancements are a positive aspect compared to competitors, the way those nutrients are added—through industrial formulations and extracted ingredients—is what defines it as ultra-processed. This nuance is central to understanding the ultra-processed food debate.
The Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods
While Goodles may be a nutritionally superior choice within the ultra-processed mac and cheese market, health experts still advise moderating the consumption of UPFs. Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It's not just the high fat, sugar, and salt content of some UPFs, but the processing methods themselves and the presence of additives and industrial formulations that are thought to contribute to negative health outcomes. The convenience and high palatability of UPFs are also linked to increased consumption and poor dietary habits. Therefore, while Goodles offers more protein and fiber, it's still best considered an occasional indulgence, not a dietary staple.
Goodles' "Clean Label" Distinction
Goodles often promotes its Clean Label Project Purity award, which certifies that products have been tested for over 400 contaminants, including heavy metals, plastics, and pesticides. This is a valuable distinction that indicates the product is free from many harmful environmental toxins and a safer option in that regard. However, the Clean Label award and the NOVA classification assess entirely different aspects of a food product. One focuses on safety from contaminants, while the other focuses on the extent of industrial processing. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. A product can be ultra-processed while still being 'clean' of certain toxins.
The Final Word: Context is Key
So, is Goodles ultra processed? Yes, under the widely-used NOVA classification system, it fits the definition of an ultra-processed food due to its complex industrial formulation, extracted ingredients, and additives. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. For someone choosing between Goodles and a traditional, less nutritionally-fortified boxed mac and cheese, Goodles is a comparatively better choice due to its higher protein and fiber, and lack of artificial colors. For someone aiming to reduce their overall intake of ultra-processed foods, both options represent a deviation from a whole-foods-based diet. The decision ultimately depends on the consumer's dietary goals and priorities. Goodles represents a new frontier in the ultra-processed category: products that are still industrial but attempt to offer a better nutritional profile.
Ultimately, informed consumers should view Goodles not as an unprocessed health food, but as a more nutritious option within the highly processed food aisle. The transparency Goodles offers regarding its ingredients allows consumers to understand what they are eating, which is a step forward from many less transparent competitors.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.
