Nutrients and meal structure
- Protein and fiber density
- Produce and plant variety
- Micronutrient density when sufficient nutrition data is available
- Carbohydrate quality and the balance of carbohydrate, fiber, and protein
OALC methodology
Recipe scores are practical context, not a verdict on your food.
OALC uses consistent recipe and ingredient signals to make comparisons easier. The score is intended to help you notice tradeoffs and possible improvements—not label a recipe as good or bad.
What goes into a score
Observable inputs before health promises
Scores are built from the recipe as written. Optional substitutions and token garnishes do not automatically improve the base recipe’s result.
Moderation signals
- Sodium
- Saturated fat and overall fat quality
- Added sugar when available, with total sugar used only as a lower-confidence fallback
- Highly refined or heavily processed ingredient patterns
Recipe context
- Serving size and recipe category
- Whether vegetables, legumes, whole grains, or lean proteins are meaningful parts of the dish
- Whether a positive ingredient is central to the recipe or merely an optional garnish
- Data completeness and the source of nutrition estimates
How to read the display
One meal-balance summary with supporting lenses
Meal balance
The primary summary of protein, fiber, produce, fat quality, sodium, and the overall structure of the recipe.
Whole-food pattern
A supporting view of plant variety, nutrient density, ingredient quality, and processing.
Energy support
A supporting view of protein, fiber, carbohydrate quality, added sugar, and how those elements work together.
Ingredient balance
A supporting view of fat quality, plant-forward ingredients, processing, and richer ingredients in context.
Important limitations
What the score cannot tell you
- It cannot predict longevity, inflammation, blood sugar, or any individual health outcome.
- It does not account for your medical history, allergies, medications, total diet, or portion needs.
- Nutrition values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions, produce size, and serving size.
- A lower-scoring celebration food can still fit in a varied diet; a higher score does not make unlimited portions appropriate.
- The model will change as source data, recipes, and validation improve.
OALC content is educational and is not medical or individualized nutrition advice. Ask a qualified clinician or registered dietitian about decisions tied to a health condition.
Use the score as a starting point
Compare similar recipes, read the reasons behind the result, and choose adjustments that make sense for the meal you are actually serving.