What defines NOVA category 3 foods?

NOVA category 3 foods are classified as those made by combining unprocessed or minimally processed foods, which belong to categories 1 and 2. This means that these foods can include a variety of ingredients that have undergone minimal processing, such as cooking, freezing, or other forms of preparation that do not alter their fundamental nature.

This category often encompasses dishes and products where original, whole nutrients remain intact but are combined with other ingredients to create a ready-to-eat or ready-to-prepare item. For example, the mixing of grains with legumes or the inclusion of healthy fats in a dish would fall into this category, emphasizing an overall nutritional value while still allowing for some level of processing that isn't entirely artificial.

In this context, the other categories describe different types of foods: category 1 pertains to unprocessed foods, category 2 refers to minimally processed foods, and categories beyond 3 typically involve more extensive processing and the inclusion of artificial substances. This classification underscores not only the health implications of the foods we consume but also their production methods, guiding consumers towards better dietary choices based on their processing levels.