EatoIndex
Food scored by what it actually does.
Every food in the EatoSystem is tagged with its prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic value -- making better health choices easier for every community in Ireland.
A Living Score for Every Food
The EatoIndex measures food across three dimensions that mainstream food systems ignore -- health impact, community benefit, and environmental regeneration. Every food earns a score across all three.
Health Score
Nutrient density, freshness from harvest, processing level, biotic value, and impact on the microbiome. Real food quality -- not label claims.
- Prebiotic fibre content
- Probiotic live cultures
- Postbiotic compounds
- Nutrient density
- Food miles & freshness
Community Score
Local employment, fair pricing to farmers, supply chain transparency, and whether the food is accessible to the community that produced it.
- Local employment created
- Fair farmer margin
- Supply transparency
- Community access
- Direct sales opportunity
Environment Score
Soil health improvement, biodiversity support, water usage, carbon sequestration, and whether the farming system regenerates or degrades the land.
- Soil organic matter
- Biodiversity actions
- Carbon sequestration
- Water efficiency
- Reduced inputs
Pre · Pro · Postbiotic
Every food in the EatoSystem is tagged with its biotic value. Not all foods fit one category -- many carry multiple biotic properties, and the scoring reflects that complexity.
Prebiotic
Foods that feed and nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fibre-rich plants, resistant starches, and polyphenols that create the conditions for a healthy microbiome.
Probiotic
Living foods containing beneficial bacteria and yeasts. Traditional fermentation methods that preserve food while introducing health-supporting microorganisms.
Postbiotic
Bioactive compounds produced when bacteria ferment food. Short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and antimicrobial peptides that support immune function and inflammation reduction.
The Index Directory
Every food category in the EatoSystem has a defined scoring framework. Categories move from Draft to Pilot-ready to Live as data and community infrastructure matures.
Core Categories
Vegetables
Pilot-readyNutrient density, freshness, and regenerative growing practices for leafy greens, roots, and brassicas.
Health Metrics
- Nutrient density score (vitamins, minerals per 100g)
- Freshness indicator (hours from harvest to consumption)
- Processing level (raw, minimal, processed)
Eato Target
Local production within 50km. Harvested within 24-48 hours of consumption. Full farm-to-fork transparency via EatoIndex.
Fruits
Pilot-readySeasonal fruit production measuring ripeness, variety diversity, and orchard ecosystem health.
Health Metrics
- Ripeness at harvest (vs early picking for transport)
- Antioxidant and vitamin content
- Variety diversity (heritage vs commercial)
Eato Target
70% seasonal local fruit. Tree-ripened harvest. 20+ heritage varieties per region. Biodiverse orchard systems.
Grains
DraftWhole grain production focusing on soil health, milling freshness, and heritage variety preservation.
Health Metrics
- Whole grain vs refined ratio
- Milling freshness (days since milling)
- Gluten quality and digestibility indicators
Eato Target
Stone-milled within 2 weeks of use. 10+ heritage varieties in production. Regenerative arable standards.
Animal Categories
Meats
DraftPasture-raised meat production measuring animal welfare, grazing practices, and land regeneration.
Health Metrics
- Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio (pasture indicator)
- Growth hormone and antibiotic usage
- Stress markers at processing
Eato Target
100% pasture-raised. Local processing within 50km. Native breed programs. Grassland carbon positive.
Poultry
DraftFree-range poultry and eggs measuring outdoor access, feed quality, and farm integration.
Health Metrics
- Outdoor access hours and quality
- Feed composition (local, organic, soy-free options)
- Omega-3 content in eggs
Eato Target
Genuine pasture-raised with daily outdoor access. Local feed where possible. On-farm or local processing.
Dairy
DraftGrass-fed dairy measuring pasture time, processing locality, and herd health indicators.
Health Metrics
- Grass-fed percentage (seasonal variation)
- A2 protein and breed considerations
- Raw vs pasteurization levels
Eato Target
90%+ grass-fed. Local creamery processing. Farmhouse production renaissance. Pasture biodiversity.
Supporting Categories
Herbs
DraftFresh and dried herb production measuring aromatic quality, growing practices, and medicinal potential.
Health Metrics
- Essential oil content and freshness
- Drying and storage practices
- Medicinal compound preservation
Eato Target
Fresh local herbs year-round (protected growing). 50+ varieties in production. Integrated farm systems.
The EatoIndex is not a certification. It is a living score -- evolving as farms improve, communities grow, and the system learns what truly healthy food looks like.