The Four NOVA Categories

Die Übersicht zeigt vier NOVA-Kategorien von unverarbeiteten bis hochverarbeiteten Lebensmitteln.

Group I:

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods

Basis of the daily diet

Fresh, dry or frozen vegetables or fruits, grains, legumes, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds

Lebensmittel der NOVA-Gruppe 1: Originalillustration aus der Vorlage
Classification

Processing includes removal of inedible or unwanted parts and preparation for storage.

Group II:

Processed culinary ingredients

Used in small quantities as ingredients for Group I

Plant oils (e.g. olive oils, coconut oil), animal fats (e.g. cream, butter), maple syrup, sugar, honey, and salt

Lebensmittel der NOVA-Gruppe 2: Originalillustration aus der Vorlage
Classification

Substances derived from Group I foods or nature by processes including milling, grinding, refining, pressing, and drying.

Group III:

Processed foods

Combined with Group I or II should be eaten in limited quantities

Canned vegetables, canned fish, fruits in syrup, beer, wine, cheese, and freshly made bread

Lebensmittel der NOVA-Gruppe 3: Originalillustration aus der Vorlage
Classification

Created by adding salt, oil, sugar, or other substances from Group II to Group I foods.

Group IV:

Ultra-processed foods

Should be avoided

Sweetened beverages, burgers, pizza, ice-cream, sweet and savory packaged snacks, instant soups, and chicken nuggets

Lebensmittel der NOVA-Gruppe 4: Originalillustration aus der Vorlage
Classification

Formulations made mostly or entirely from substances derived from foods and additives. Includes very little intact Group I.

Increasing
level of processing

Figure 1: The four NOVA categories – Source: Planteneers GmbH, 2025 and modified after Monteiro et al., 2019