How PQ Score Works
PQ (Purity Quality) Score is a 0–100 rating of food ingredient quality. It answers the question other keto trackers ignore: is this food actually clean?
What PQ Score measures
Two foods can have identical macros but wildly different ingredient quality. A protein bar with whey and almonds is fundamentally different from one loaded with seed oils, maltodextrin, and artificial sweeteners, even if the carb count is the same.
PQ Score captures this difference by analyzing four dimensions:
Checks for seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower), artificial sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other additives. Cleaner ingredients score higher.
Whole foods score higher than ultra-processed products. A steak outscores a steak-flavored snack, even at similar macros.
Evaluates net carb content relative to serving size, plus fat quality (saturated and monounsaturated vs. industrial seed oils).
Flags processed meats (nitrates), high-mercury fish, common allergens, and ingredients flagged by food safety research.
Score tiers
How scoring works
- Ingredient analysis: Each ingredient is identified, classified, and scored individually. Known harmful ingredients (seed oils, artificial colors, trans fats) receive direct penalties.
- Processing detection: The overall product is evaluated for ultra-processing markers. Products with long ingredient lists, multiple emulsifiers, or industrial additives are penalized.
- Macro verification: Net carbs, fat quality, and protein source are cross-checked against keto-optimal ranges.
- Confidence scoring: The system indicates how confident it is in the score based on data completeness. Barcode scans with full ingredient lists get the highest confidence.
PQ Score vs. other keto trackers
| What they track | CleanKeto | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Calories & macros | Yes | Yes |
| Seed oil detection | Yes | No |
| Additive flagging | Yes | No |
| Processing level | Yes | No |
| Every deduction explained | Yes | No |
| Personalized to your health | Yes (For You) | No |
Transparency
Every PQ Score shows exactly why it scored the way it did. No black boxes. You can see the individual ingredient penalties, processing deductions, and bonus points that make up the final score. If you disagree with a score, the breakdown tells you precisely what drove it.
Try PQ Score for free
Paste any ingredient list and see the PQ score instantly. No account required.
Try free PQ previewPQ Score is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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