The Nutri-Score is a simplified nutritional label that appears on the front of food packaging, designed to help consumers make more informed choices at a glance. It uses a color-coded, five-letter scale, from dark green 'A' to dark orange 'E', to rate the overall nutritional quality of a product. While this system has been shown to guide consumers toward better nutritional choices within product categories, its reliance on a limited set of criteria means the answer to 'does Nutri-Score mean healthy?' is not a simple yes or no.
How the Nutri-Score is Calculated
Nutri-Score's algorithm balances favorable and unfavorable nutrients and ingredients to produce a final score. The score is based on a calculation per 100g or 100ml of a food product, standardizing the comparison across different items.
Favorable components (Positive points):
- Protein
- Fibre
- Proportion of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
- Oils like rapeseed, walnut, and olive oil (due to lower saturated fat)
Unfavorable components (Negative points):
- Energy (calories)
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sugars
- Salt (sodium)
- Certain non-nutritive sweeteners in beverages (since 2023 algorithm updates)
The total score is a balance of these positive and negative points. A lower score translates to a better Nutri-Score grade. For example, more fiber and protein will improve a score, while higher levels of salt and sugar will worsen it. The algorithm has been updated over the years to better align with national dietary guidelines and address inconsistencies.
The Limitations and Misinterpretations of Nutri-Score
While an effective tool for comparison, Nutri-Score has several key limitations that are important for consumers to understand. The most critical point of confusion is comparing foods across different categories. An 'A' graded cereal, for instance, is not necessarily healthier than a 'C' graded olive oil in the context of an entire diet, but merely the best option within its own category.
Ultra-Processed Foods and Other Factors
One of the most persistent criticisms is the Nutri-Score's inability to account for the degree of food processing or the presence of additives and preservatives. An ultra-processed product might receive a favorable 'A' or 'B' score simply by being low in sugar and fat, despite containing artificial ingredients. This can mislead consumers who prioritize whole, unprocessed foods. The creators of Nutri-Score have acknowledged this and are exploring ways to add information about ultra-processing, such as a black border for ultra-processed foods. Other important health dimensions, like micronutrient content (vitamins and minerals) and sustainability practices, are also not part of the core algorithm.
Portion Sizes and Dietary Context
Nutri-Score is calculated per 100g or 100ml, not per serving. This standard unit of measurement prevents manufacturers from manipulating scores by shrinking the declared portion size. However, it requires consumers to apply common sense; a product with an 'E' that is consumed in very small quantities, such as a strong cheese, may still fit into a healthy overall dietary pattern. Conversely, over-consuming a high-scoring 'A' product, like a sugary breakfast cereal, will not necessarily be healthy.
Comparison: Nutri-Score vs. Other Labels
To understand Nutri-Score's place in the market, it helps to compare it with other labeling systems.
| Feature | Nutri-Score | Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) | Health Star Rating (HSR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating System | A-E, with a 5-color scale. | Individual color ratings (red, amber, green) for different nutrients (fat, saturated fat, sugars, salt). | 0.5 to 5 stars, with half-star increments. |
| Basis | Overall summary score calculated per 100g/ml. | Per 100g or per serving. | Overall rating based on balancing beneficial and risk nutrients. |
| Clarity & Simplicity | Very clear and intuitive with a single, overall score. | Requires cognitive effort to interpret multiple colors. | Intuitive star rating, but can be influenced by certain calculations. |
| Primary Goal | Guide consumers to better nutritional choices within a food category. | Highlight nutrient content to be limited. | Help consumers choose healthier options by comparing packaged foods. |
| Limitations | Lacks information on processing, additives, and can lead to problematic cross-category comparisons. | Can be complex due to multiple data points; potential for misinterpretation. | Can provide misleading ratings for certain products (e.g., higher for sugary drinks). |
Conclusion: A Tool, Not a Judgment
So, does Nutri-Score mean healthy? The answer is not absolute. The Nutri-Score is a valuable public health tool for comparing products within the same category. Its simple, color-coded format has proven effective in helping consumers quickly identify more nutritionally favorable options on a supermarket shelf. It also incentivizes manufacturers to reformulate their products to receive better scores, leading to gradual improvements in the food supply.
However, consumers must be aware of its limitations. It is not a substitute for a balanced diet guided by national dietary recommendations. An 'A' score for a particular packaged product does not make it universally 'healthy' or appropriate for unlimited consumption, and it certainly does not account for vital factors like processing, additives, or sourcing. A genuinely healthy diet relies on a variety of whole and unprocessed foods, with Nutri-Score-rated items serving as a useful guide for packaged goods. Ultimately, it’s a compass, not a destination.
foodwatch.org/en/campaigns/sugar-fat-and-salt/how-the-nutri-score-works
