Activities
Food Ladder: scores, equal values, and food comparisons
Understand pair scores, equal-value foods, the 100 g comparison basis, and why preparation details matter.
How is my score calculated?
Food Ladder scores the relative order of every pair of foods. Four foods create six pairs, so each round is worth up to 6 points. Across five rounds, the maximum session score is 30.
You earn one point for each pair arranged from lower to higher for the round's nutrient. For example, a round score of 5 out of 6 means five pairwise comparisons were correct. It does not mean five cards were in the right position: there are only four cards.
What do the result labels mean?
Right spots and Needs move describe card positions in the submitted order. Pair score describes the relative ordering of all six pairs. These are different measures. The perfect-round streak tracks consecutive perfect rounds within the game; it is not a count of daily visits.
What if foods have equal values?
Foods marked Equal value may appear in either order. A tied pair receives credit in either direction. Use the Equal value label when identifying ties rather than assuming that similar-looking values are identical.
Why compare 100 g?
Every food is compared using the same 100 g weight. This is a standard comparison basis, not a suggested serving size. A package label based on one serving may show a different number because the serving weight differs.
Which food and nutrient am I comparing?
Follow the nutrient named in the prompt: calories (kcal), protein (g), fiber (g), or sodium (mg), all per 100 g. Read the food name and preparation details, such as raw, cooked, dry, drained, or rinsed. Those details identify the food record used for the round.
The game uses a curated USDA FoodData Central dataset. Values are revealed after your order is accepted. A higher or lower value for one nutrient is not an overall ranking of a food's healthfulness, and the game does not provide a personalized nutrition plan.
Report an unexpected result
Contact support with the nutrient, food names and preparation details, displayed values, round number, and a screenshot of the result if possible. Include the program site you used so support can investigate the exact comparison.