Healthy_Nova: Introducing a database of foods classified by Nova and by fitness within 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans food groups

This manuscript introduces the Healthy_Nova database. Healthy_Nova contains Nova classifications (group 1, 2, 3, or 4) determined via consensus of two or more experts for over 700 food and beverage products. Many products also include an evaluation of whether they can be included in eating patterns recommended by the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020–2025 DGA). Healthy_Nova information was amassed from previous studies on menus developed using Nova. For each study, a minimum of two evaluators assigned a Nova group to each food and beverage using a generic product name and list of ingredients provided in a Qualtrics survey. Some studies also included evaluation of whether foods and beverages could be part of healthy eating patterns in the 2020–2025 DGA. Healthy_Nova includes Nova classification data for n = 742 specific food and beverage products and 2020–2025 DGA fitness ratings for n = 491 food and beverage products. This database can serve as a tool for researchers interested in conducting studies on Nova, eating patterns, or both. As Nova continues to face challenges with implementation, Healthy_Nova can serve as a resource for researchers to align and to draw robust conclusions about the health impact of “ultra-processed” foods and beverages.