The Open Health Score IndexTM is a clear, evidence-based scoring system built to help consumers understand the healthfulness of food products. It evaluates each product across three important areas:
Nutrient Density + FDA Healthy - Ingredient Concerns
The Open Health Score Index™ (OHSI) combines three factors: nutrient density (the beneficial nutrition a product provides relative to its calories), the FDA’s “healthy” criteria, and the presence of ingredients of concern. Together, these provide a reliable, science-backed guide to help consumers make informed food choices.
Sifter's intelligent digital platform powers solutions that help people find the foods that are right for them.
* The adjectives ”Best", "Good", ”Limit" and ”Avoid" refer to the score and not the product directly. The Health Score assessment evaluates three important domains: the Nutrients:Calorie ratio inclusive of FGEs present, FDA healthy and whether it contains any of the ingredients of greatest concern to health.
* The methodology looks for foods that are provide foods and nutrients aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. AddingSiftTags will create an even deeper level of transparency and factor in Ultra processing NOVA 4 differences.
OHSI activates the ability of the Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRFI), a science-based scoring system that ranks foods by nutrient density, to power effective product scoring. Then Sifter evaluates against a wide range of ingredient concerns for a final score.
The FDA’s updated “Healthy” definition is then factored in, which emphasizes nutrient-rich foods and key food groups that support long-term health, moving beyond the old focus on just limiting fat and sodium.
Methodology evaluates three important domains:
Nutrient Domain: Nutrient Density(based on scientifically published, validated NFRI nutrient: calorie equation)
Healthy/Extra Lean Qualification (whether it is healthy –USDA/FDA published regulatory guidance)
Ingredient Domain: whether it contains ingredients of concern to health (sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, added sugars, added sodium, artificial flavors, artificial colors and US banned ingredients)
OHSI helps shoppers make healthier food choices by highlighting nutrient-dense products that support overall wellness. It simplifies complex nutrition science into clear, actionable guidance at the point of purchase—whether online or in-store—empowering consumers to improve their diets and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The Nutrient Rich Food Index was developed by Dr. Adam Drewnowski, a leading public health nutrition expert at the University of Washington. It’s rooted in peer-reviewed research and aligns with federal nutrition guidance, making it a credible and effective tool for product evaluation. More about NRFI.
The revised FDA “Healthy” claim reflects modern nutrition science and promotes nutrient-rich, food group–based eating. Unlike the old standard, which focused mostly on limiting fat and sodium, the new definition emphasizes foods that include key food groups aligned with USDA MyPlate, aiming to support long-term health and prevent chronic disease. More about FDA Healthy
Retailers integrate OHSI into their own unique programs using digital shelf tags, in-store signage, e-commerce platforms, and nutrition programs. These tools provide clear guidance to help their shoppers quickly identify products that align with healthy eating patterns.
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Yes! Sifter is offering OHSI at no cost to U.S. grocery retailers. This initiative supports industry-wide access to evidence-based nutrition data, helping retailers promote healthier food environments without additional financial burden.
OHSI covers virtually all grocery products, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and packaged items. It provides a consistent way to evaluate nutrient density across categories, making it easier for shoppers to compare products and make informed decisions.
Registered dietitians and nutritionists can use OHSI as a tool to guide personalized recommendations. Whether in-store, online, or through virtual consultations, OHSI simplifies complex nutrition data to help professionals steer clients toward more nutritious food options.
Yes! Sifter’s technology allows seamless integration of OHSI into mobile apps, online grocery platforms, and white-label solutions through APIs, enhancing customer experience across digital channels.
By offering OHSI for free, Sifter empowers retailers to support healthier food choices at scale. This grassroots-level change—starting right at the grocery shelf—aims to combat rising rates of diet-related conditions like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
OHSI is designed to be adaptable. It can be used as a standalone system or integrated into a retailer’s proprietary nutrition scoring system or wellness program, making it easy to enhance or expand existing health-focused initiatives.
Sifter’s full platform includes medically tailored grocery tools, recipe customization, smart product filtering, and in-store scanning. It supports complex dietary needs, food assistance eligibility, and culturally relevant eating preferences—available through APIs or turnkey implementation.
OHSI uses a two-part rule to assess items with fewer than 10 calories:
- Must qualify as FDA “Healthy” = Yes
- Ingredient list must be free of the following exclusions:
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