Supplements Versus Food: The Core Distinction
According to the Yuka app's official support channels, the main reason for the lack of a rating is that protein powders and pre-mixed shakes are considered nutritional supplements, not traditional food products. The app's scoring system, which uses the Nutri-Score, is created for everyday grocery items and their overall dietary balance. Supplements, by their nature, provide concentrated nutrients, such as protein, and do not fit this evaluation model. This is also why other products like infant formula, honey, and medications are not rated.
An Unsuitable Rating Methodology
The Yuka app’s algorithm for food items assesses three main criteria to generate a score out of 100:
- Nutritional Quality (60%): Assessed using the European Nutri-Score system, which considers things like calories, saturated fat, sugar, salt, protein, and fiber. A protein shake, intentionally high in protein, would skew this calculation.
- Presence of Additives (30%): Scores are lowered based on the presence of risky additives, according to studies. Supplements often contain stabilizers, thickeners, and sweeteners that are evaluated differently than those in processed foods.
- Organic Dimension (10%): A bonus is given for products with an organic label. While some protein shakes are organic, this bonus doesn't address the other complexities of a supplement's formulation.
The app's algorithm is not programmed to understand the context of a nutritional supplement, which is meant to provide a macronutrient boost rather than a balanced meal.
The Challenge of Specialized Ingredients
Protein shakes frequently contain specialized ingredients beyond Yuka's standard food database, such as vitamin and mineral blends, sweeteners like sucralose or monk fruit extract, and different forms of protein (e.g., whey isolate, casein, soy protein). Developing a reliable and scientifically sound methodology to rate this category of products would require a separate, specialized system, which Yuka has not yet implemented.
Other Products Yuka Does Not Rate
This exclusion is not just for protein shakes. Yuka also does not rate other product categories because of their specialized nature or lack of nutritional data:
- Alcohol
- Sugar, honey, and maple syrup
- Infant formula
- Medications and dietary supplements in general
- Products sold by weight with non-unique barcodes
- Foods with ingredients in unsupported languages
This policy emphasizes the app's focus on rating conventional processed and unprocessed food, rather than items with specific functions.
Comparison: Yuka's Rating for Food vs. Supplements
| Feature | Yuka's Food Rating System | Yuka's Stance on Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Classified as a 'food product'. | Classified as a 'nutritional supplement', not a food. |
| Rating Method | Based on Nutri-Score, additives, and organic status. | Inapplicable methodology for highly concentrated nutrients. |
| Core Goal | To encourage healthier choices based on overall dietary balance. | Supplements serve a targeted purpose, not overall dietary balance. |
| Key Ingredients | Focuses on macros, fats, sugars, and common additives. | Contains specialized protein sources, vitamin blends, and additives specific to the category. |
| Personalization | Does not account for individual dietary needs or medical conditions. | Users should consult a professional, especially for specialized needs. |
What to Look for When Buying a Protein Shake
Instead of relying on a Yuka rating, consumers should read labels and consider their health and fitness goals. Here are some key factors:
- Protein Source: Choose a source that aligns with your preferences (e.g., whey, casein, soy, pea) and allergies. Different sources have different digestion speeds.
- Additives and Sweeteners: Check for artificial sweeteners or additives like carrageenan that may concern you. Choose shakes with natural sweeteners or none at all.
- Ingredient Quality: Look for brands that provide third-party testing to verify purity and potency. Transparency is key in the supplement industry.
- Nutritional Profile: Compare the shake's fat, carb, and sugar content. Some protein shakes are loaded with sugars to improve flavor, which may not align with your goals.
Conclusion
The fact that Yuka does not rate protein shakes is not a reflection of their quality or safety, but a limitation of the app's scoring method. The algorithm, designed for general food items, is not adapted to the purpose of nutritional supplements. While Yuka is a tool for understanding processed foods, consumers interested in protein shakes must look beyond a score. Researching ingredients, consulting with a healthcare professional, and reading third-party verification reports will provide a more accurate assessment of a protein shake's suitability for personal health needs. For more information, visit the official Yuka Help Center.
Sources: Yuka Help Center and independent reviews discussing app limitations.
