What is the Nutri-Score?
The Nutri-Score is a voluntary, front-of-pack food labeling system used in several European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain. It is designed to simplify complex nutritional information found on the back of packaging, helping consumers make more informed and healthier choices at a glance. Developed by independent scientists, the system converts a product's nutritional value into a grade based on a five-color scale (dark green to dark orange) and a corresponding letter (A to E). A dark green 'A' signifies a product with a higher nutritional quality, while a dark orange 'E' indicates a product with a lower nutritional quality. The label is particularly useful for comparing processed products within the same food category, such as comparing different brands of breakfast cereals or yogurts.
History and adoption
Originating in France, the Nutri-Score system is the result of scientific research and public health recommendations. It builds upon a nutrient profiling system developed by the UK Food Standards Agency. Its voluntary adoption by food manufacturers has been a key factor in its spread, although its long-term potential as a mandatory standard is still debated. A European Scientific Committee, established by participating countries, periodically reviews and updates the algorithm to align with the latest scientific knowledge and dietary guidelines.
How is the Nutri-Score calculated?
The Nutri-Score calculation is based on the nutrient content per 100 grams or 100 milliliters of a food product. The final score is determined by balancing two sets of components: those that should be limited and those that should be encouraged. Points are awarded for each component, with the sum of positive points being subtracted from the sum of negative points to get the final result. A lower overall score indicates a better nutritional quality. The algorithm was updated in 2023 to improve its effectiveness and refine the classification of certain products, such as distinguishing between wholemeal and white bread and improving scores for vegetable oils.
Favorable vs. unfavorable nutrients
The algorithm considers a number of factors to determine a product's final score. These are grouped into two main categories:
Components leading to a worse score (negative points):
- Energy content (calories)
- Sugars
- Saturated fatty acids
- Salt (sodium)
Components leading to a better score (positive points):
- Protein
- Dietary fibre
- Proportion of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
- Certain oils (rapeseed, walnut, and olive oil) are also taken into account
A comparative look at Nutri-Score grades
To illustrate the system's logic, here's a comparison of typical products and their corresponding Nutri-Score grades. This demonstrates how the system allows for direct comparison within a product category to make a healthier choice.
| Product Category | Example 1 (Lower Score) | Grade | Example 2 (Higher Score) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Cereals | Low-fiber, high-sugar cereals | D | Whole-grain, high-fiber, low-sugar cereals | A |
| Yogurts | Flavored yogurt with added sugar | C | Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt | A |
| Red Meat | Processed red meat sausages (high salt, high saturated fat) | D/E | Lean cuts of red meat | B/C |
| Oils | High saturated fat cooking oil | D | Olive oil (despite calories) | C/D |
| Beverages | Sugar-sweetened soda | E | Plain water | A |
Limitations and controversies of Nutri-Score
While Nutri-Score is a valuable tool, it is not without its critics and limitations. A key criticism is that it does not account for portion sizes, which can lead to misleading ratings for foods consumed in small quantities, such as olive oil. A food like olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, may receive a low Nutri-Score (D) due to its high calorie and fat density when calculated per 100g, despite its health benefits when consumed in moderation. In contrast, a diet soda might receive a 'B' due to low calories and sugar, potentially giving a false impression that it is more nutritious overall.
Additionally, the system primarily focuses on nutrient composition and does not differentiate between the quality of nutrients or account for a product's degree of processing, additives, or preservatives. This can result in ultra-processed products with low sugar or fat content receiving a high 'A' or 'B' score. Such issues have led to pushback from certain food sectors, particularly in Mediterranean countries, and some major food companies like Danone have even announced plans to withdraw from the voluntary scheme in some markets.
The role of Nutri-Score in a healthy diet
Despite its limitations, the Nutri-Score remains a useful educational tool. It serves as a starting point for consumers to make smarter food choices by quickly comparing similar products. For instance, when choosing between two breakfast cereals, the Nutri-Score can easily identify the one with higher fiber and less sugar. It encourages a general trend toward healthier eating by making nutritional quality more transparent and encouraging food manufacturers to reformulate products to achieve better scores. As part of a comprehensive dietary strategy, the Nutri-Score can complement, not replace, general dietary guidelines and nutrition education. Consumers should still read the full ingredients list and nutritional information for a complete picture, especially for minimally processed foods where the Nutri-Score may not tell the whole story. For instance, understanding the nuance of healthy fats in nuts and olive oil is crucial for a balanced diet.
How to use Nutri-Score effectively
Using the Nutri-Score effectively involves understanding its purpose: to offer a rapid visual comparison of similar packaged foods. It’s best used for decisions like choosing between two brands of breakfast cereals rather than comparing a soft drink to an oil. The color scale is a guide, not an absolute rule. Dark green and light green products (A and B) can be chosen frequently, while orange and red products (D and E) should be consumed in moderation or less often. By leveraging the Nutri-Score in conjunction with a deeper understanding of nutrition, consumers can significantly improve their daily diet quality. Foodwatch, an independent consumer organization, supports Nutri-Score as a valuable tool for promoting public health awareness.
Conclusion
So, what does the nutri score stand for? It stands for a transparent, scientifically-backed system designed to empower consumers with quick, accessible nutritional information at the point of purchase. By translating complex nutritional data into a simple color-coded letter grade, it helps guide choices toward more nutritious options, particularly when comparing similar packaged foods. While criticisms regarding its simplification of dietary nuances and its occasional paradoxical ratings for certain healthy foods exist, its overall effectiveness in promoting consumer awareness and driving product reformulation is widely acknowledged. As a voluntary label, its success hinges on consumer and manufacturer buy-in, but its ability to cut through complex data makes it a powerful tool for a healthier shopping experience.
