Food Compass

Just when we thought we finally got the hang of this whole wellness thing, a new study from Tufts University throws a curveball our way.

People reports that Tufts has released their Food Compass, a nutrient-profiling system that was developed by researchers at the university. The system uses a unique algorithm to assign foods a score between 1 and 100, with 100 being the most healthy.

Among the many observations made thanks to the Food Compass is that chocolate ice cream in a cone with nuts (score of 37) is healthier than a multigrain bagel with raisins (score of 19). And we can only imagine what the bagel's Food Compass score becomes once you slather it with cream cheese or butter.

Additionally, you might want to skip on that side of saltine crackers with your next bowl of soup. The crispy crackers scored a less than impressive 7. But if you are feeling peckish, your best bet is chocolate-covered almonds (score of 78) and air-popped, unbuttered popcorn (score of 70).

According to Dariush Mozaffarian, who led the study, the goal of the Food Compass is to simplify what healthy eating looks like. "Once you get beyond 'eat your veggies, avoid soda,' the public is pretty confused about how to identify healthier choices in the grocery store, cafeteria, and restaurant," Mozaffarian said, according to People. "Consumers, policy makers, and even industry are looking for simple tools to guide everyone toward healthier choices."

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Here are some highlights:

Beverages: soft drink, cola, Gatorade (1), tomato juice 100%, celery juice (100)

Grains: bread, pita (1), cheerios (95!)

Fruits: nectarine, strawberries, peach, orange, lemon, grapefruit, cherries, cantaloupe, blackberries, apricot (100)

seafood, dairy, eggs, meat: hot dog, beef (3), canned tuna (88), greek yogurt (95), broiled salmon (95)