How WISEcode Classifies Your Products: The Three-Pillar Methodology

WISEcode's Non-UPF classification engine evaluates each product at the ingredient level using a three-pillar methodology. This article explains each pillar in plain language.

Pillar 1: Weighted processing score

Every ingredient in a product is ranked on a processing scale from 0 (unprocessed) to 3 (industrial). The ingredients are then weighted to produce a single processing score for the finished product. This is the foundation of the classification.

Pillar 2: Red flag ingredients

Certain ingredients trigger immediate ultra-processed classification. These include ingredients that are banned in some markets or that scientific evidence has shown to cause harm. A single red flag ingredient is enough to disqualify a product, regardless of its weighted score.

Pillar 3: Sugar penalty

Products that derive more than 20 percent of their calories from added sugar receive an automatic metabolic penalty. This rule reflects the established connection between high added-sugar intake and metabolic harm, independent of processing level.

Why ingredient-level evaluation matters

Most ultra-processed classifications operate at the product or category level, which produces blunt results. Evaluating at the ingredient level allows WISEcode to distinguish between products that look similar on the shelf but differ meaningfully in processing and ingredient quality.

Where to learn more

The full WISEcode Standard document describes the methodology in detail. See the article "The WISEcode Standard, Explained" for a consumer-friendly summary and a link to the source document.

Want to see how your products score?

Submit a request and a WISEcode advisor will help you evaluate a SKU against the three-pillar methodology.