Our editorial rating system, explained.
What is the F&D Score?
The F&D Score is a 1-to-10 editorial rating applied to standout recipes and bottles in our library. It is published as a small badge in the corner of recipe and bottle pages with a score of 8.0 or above.
How the score is built
Each F&D Score is the sum of three components, scored independently by the editorial team after at least three test cooks or pours:
- Technique difficulty (1-3 points): 1 = beginner-friendly (Tom Collins, baked salmon). 2 = intermediate (Beef bourguignon, Old Fashioned). 3 = ambitious (Sourdough, Penicillin with peated float, Croquembouche).
- Crowd appeal (1-3 points): 1 = niche or polarising (Negroni, Vegemite scrolls). 2 = broadly liked (Pulled pork, Aperol Spritz). 3 = universal (Lasagne, Margarita, Roast chicken).
- Repeat-cook value (1-4 points): 1 = once is enough. 2 = special occasion only. 3 = monthly rotation. 4 = weekly fixture.
Total: 3 to 10 points. Scores below 6 are not published; we just don’t publish recipes that score that low.
What makes 9 vs what makes 10
9.0 to 9.5 means the recipe or bottle is the F&D editor’s first pick in its category. The Negroni at 9.5 means: among all the gin-aperitivo cocktails, this is the one we’d reach for. A 10 is reserved for life-changing recipes or bottles. We have published none yet.
How the score updates
Scores are reviewed annually as part of the F&D Annual Report. They can move up if a recipe is refined or a bottle improves; they can move down (rare) if testing reveals issues we missed.
Why we rate this way
Most recipe ratings are 5-star averages from reader reviews. Reader reviews are valuable but they aggregate around 4.5 to 5 stars, which means the rating signal is weak. The F&D Score is editorial, blind to reader reviews, and built to actually distinguish recipes from each other. We trust our own palate; we’ll let yours disagree in the reviews.