A proprietary algorithm based on a food’s nutrient density per 100 calories determines the Guiding Stars 0, 1, 2, 3 rating system. Meaning, foods are individually rated against a strict standard, not each other.
And it’s a standard grounded in evidence-based nutrition science — our Scientific Advisory Panel consults the current dietary guidelines and recommendations of leading national and international health organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Health and Human Services, National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization.
Guiding Stars points you toward foods that have more vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, whole grains and less fats, cholesterol, sugar and sodium.
Using the Nutrition Facts panel (or the USDA’s National Nutrient Database for fresh meat, seafood and produce) the algorithm determines the amount of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and whole grains versus saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sodium and added sugars. The more nutritional value a food has, the more Guiding Stars it receives. If a food receives no stars, then it didn’t meet the standards to earn a star. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but rather there are more nutritious options to choose from.
Our Scientific Advisors — leading experts in the fields of nutrition and health — regularly review the algorithm to make sure it’s up-to-date with dietary and nutrient guidelines.
New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows Guiding Stars had a positive influence on food purchasing decisions after the implementation of the zero-to-three star rating system and that these changes continue to be significant in achieving healthier food choices in the supermarket.
How it works
A proprietary algorithm based on a food’s nutrient density per 100 calories determines the Guiding Stars 0, 1, 2, 3 rating system. Meaning, foods are individually rated against a strict standard, not each other.
And it’s a standard grounded in evidence-based nutrition science — our Scientific Advisory Panel consults the current dietary guidelines and recommendations of leading national and international health organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Health and Human Services, National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization.
Guiding Stars points you toward foods that have more vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, whole grains and less fats, cholesterol, sugar and sodium.
Using the Nutrition Facts panel (or the USDA’s National Nutrient Database for fresh meat, seafood and produce) the algorithm determines the amount of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and whole grains versus saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sodium and added sugars. The more nutritional value a food has, the more Guiding Stars it receives. If a food receives no stars, then it didn’t meet the standards to earn a star. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but rather there are more nutritious options to choose from.
Our Scientific Advisors — leading experts in the fields of nutrition and health — regularly review the algorithm to make sure it’s up-to-date with dietary and nutrient guidelines.
Published Research
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Guiding Stars: The effect of a nutrition navigation program on consumer purchases at the supermarket
New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows Guiding Stars had a positive influence on food purchasing decisions after the implementation of the zero-to-three star rating system and that these changes continue to be significant in achieving healthier food choices in the supermarket.