Core reasons for unrated items
Yuka's rating system, while powerful for many consumer goods, is not all-encompassing. The app operates on a specific set of rules and data points, and when a product falls outside these parameters, it remains unrated. This can be frustrating for users, but understanding the methodology reveals the rationale behind these decisions.
Products lacking nutritional information
For a food item to be rated, Yuka's algorithm requires a full nutritional breakdown. If the product packaging does not include a nutritional table, the app cannot perform its analysis. Common examples include:
- Unprocessed, single-ingredient foods like certain coffees, teas, or spices.
- Items sold by weight, such as fresh deli meats or produce, which have non-unique barcodes.
- Products where nutritional labeling is not mandatory by law.
Specific non-rateable product categories
Yuka has explicitly stated that it does not have a rating method for certain categories of products due to their highly specific composition or function. These include items that are not standard food or cosmetic products. This list includes:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Infant formulas
- Protein and other nutritional supplements
- Pet food
- Cigarettes
- Medications
Language and data barriers
For Yuka's algorithm to analyze a product's ingredient list, it must be in a supported language. If the ingredients are not in English, Spanish, Italian, German, or French, the product cannot be scored. In addition, the app relies on its extensive database, which is populated by contributors and manufacturers. If a product is not yet in the database, it will also show up as unrated until its information is manually added and verified.
Table: Yuka's rating coverage vs. non-rateable items
| Feature | Rated Items (Standard Foods & Cosmetics) | Unrated Items (Exclusions) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating Criteria | Nutritional quality, additives, organic status | Not applicable; no rating method exists |
| Data Source | Barcode scan, nutritional table data, ingredient list | Missing nutritional data, non-standard barcodes |
| Included Categories | Packaged foods (excluding single ingredients), most cosmetics | Alcohol, supplements, infant formula, medications |
| Language Support | English, Spanish, Italian, German, French | Any other language; ingredients cannot be parsed |
| Scoring Logic | 0-100 scale, color-coded, breakdown of pros and cons | No score provided; displays 'Not Rated' or 'Unrecognized' |
Limitations of the scoring methodology
Even for products within the app's scope, the scoring system has notable limitations that can affect the results or lead to a 'poor' score on otherwise healthy products. Users must remember that the app provides an opinion based on its algorithm, not personalized medical advice.
- Overly broad ingredient flagging: The app may flag ingredients that are considered allergens (e.g., essential oils) or irritants, even when they are present in very low concentrations that are safe for most people.
- One-size-fits-all scoring: Yuka does not consider individual dietary needs or health conditions. For example, a calorie-dense but nutritious food like a protein bar may receive a poor rating, even though it could be beneficial for an undernourished individual.
- Lack of context for additives: While Yuka takes a precautionary approach to additives, some critics argue the app over-penalizes products for additives present in low, scientifically-accepted amounts. Much of the research used is observational or based on animal studies.
- Algorithm's bias: The algorithm has been criticized for penalizing saturated fat or calories indiscriminately and for not distinguishing between natural and added sugars, leading to questionable ratings on certain items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you find that Yuka does not rate a product, it is most likely due to one of its inherent limitations. The product may belong to an un-analyzable category like alcohol or supplements, or it may lack the necessary nutritional data or be in a language the app doesn't support. While a useful tool for general consumer awareness and identifying concerning ingredients, the app should be used as a starting point, not a definitive health authority. Users should always read the physical label for specific dietary information, especially regarding allergens, and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Understand Yuka's limitations to get the most accurate and responsible use out of the app.
