The score is based on the dietary pattern analysis of the INTERHEART study of 52 countries: a “Western” diet high in fried food, salty snacks and meat raised heart attack risk, while a “prudent” diet high in fruit and vegetables lowered it.
How to use the Diet Risk Score Calculator
- Fast food or fried foods
- White bread, rolls or crackers
- Chips, salty snacks or pretzels
- Hot dogs, sausages or processed meat
- Sweet drinks
- Peanuts, nuts, seeds or nut butter
- Fish or shellfish
- Vegetables
- Fruit
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose how often you eat each food. The calculator adds the points – the higher the total, the less heart-healthy your diet.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Fast food or fried foods | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| White bread, rolls or crackers | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Chips, salty snacks or pretzels | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Hot dogs, sausages or processed meat | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Sweet drinks | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Peanuts, nuts, seeds or nut butter | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Fish or shellfish | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Vegetables | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
| Fruit | Choose one: Daily, 2–3 times a week, Once a week, Never or rarely |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Diet risk score = sum of points for 9 food groups (0–27)
Fried and salty foods, processed meat, sweet drinks and refined bread add points when eaten often; nuts, fish, vegetables and fruit add points when eaten rarely
Worked example
Inputs — Fast food or fried foods: 2–3 times a week; White bread, rolls or crackers: 2–3 times a week; Chips, salty snacks or pretzels: Once a week; Hot dogs, sausages or processed meat: Daily; Sweet drinks: 2–3 times a week; Peanuts, nuts, seeds or nut butter: Once a week; Fish or shellfish: Once a week; Vegetables: Daily; Fruit: Daily.
Results — Diet risk score = 13 / 27; Interpretation = Moderate risk diet.
Key terms
- Prudent diet
- A dietary pattern high in fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good diet risk score?
The lower the better; under 10 suggests a heart-healthy pattern.
Which change helps most?
Eating vegetables and fruit every day and cutting sweet drinks and processed meat.
Is this a diagnosis?
No – it is a quick screen of dietary habits.