What is the Nutri-Score System?
The Nutri-Score is a voluntary, front-of-pack nutrition labelling system that has been adopted by several European countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. It was developed by independent scientists to provide a quick and easy-to-understand summary of a product's nutritional value, moving beyond the complex, small-print tables typically found on packaging. The system uses a five-level colour and letter scale, ranging from dark green 'A' for the highest nutritional quality to dark orange 'E' for the lowest. This traffic-light system helps consumers compare the nutritional content of similar products and make more informed purchasing decisions.
The Nutri-Score Calculation Algorithm
The Nutri-Score calculation is based on a transparent, public algorithm developed by the French public health agency, Santé publique France. The algorithm assigns points to both 'negative' and 'positive' nutritional components found in a food product, based on a reference amount of 100g or 100ml. The final score is determined by subtracting the positive points from the negative points (Nutri-Score = N - P). The lower the final score, the higher the nutritional quality and the better the grade.
Negative Components (Points to be limited)
The algorithm awards negative points for elements that should be limited in a diet. The score is typically calculated based on the following nutritional values per 100g or 100ml of product:
- Energy (kilojoules/calories): Higher energy density results in more negative points.
- Saturated Fatty Acids: A higher content of saturated fats increases the score.
- Sugars: The amount of simple sugars adds to the negative score.
- Sodium (Salt): Higher salt content contributes negatively.
Positive Components (Points to be encouraged)
Conversely, positive points are awarded for beneficial components. These include:
- Fruit, Vegetables, and Pulses: The proportion of these ingredients in the product is a significant positive factor.
- Fibre: Higher fibre content, especially in products like wholemeal bread, improves the score.
- Protein: A higher protein count, relative to total energy, is factored in positively.
Refinements and Controversies
The Nutri-Score algorithm is not static; it is periodically updated based on new scientific findings. The most recent significant update occurred in 2023, with changes coming into force in participating countries from early 2024 and 2025. These changes aimed to refine the classifications of certain food groups, such as fatty fish, red meat, and dairy products, to better align with contemporary dietary recommendations.
Despite its scientific basis, the system faces criticism from various quarters, including some member states and parts of the food industry. Critics argue that the simplified score can misrepresent traditional products like olive oil or cheese, which may receive poor scores due to high fat or salt content, despite being part of a balanced Mediterranean diet. The algorithm's reliance on a 100g/ml standard rather than portion sizes is also a point of contention, with concerns that this can unfairly penalise certain products. In response, proponents argue the system is not for comparing dissimilar items (e.g., olive oil and soda) but for making quick comparisons within a product category.
How to Interpret Nutri-Score Ratings
Nutri-Score ratings are most useful for comparing like-for-like products. For example, comparing different brands of breakfast cereals or yoghurts. It's not intended to be a definitive guide on whether a food is 'good' or 'bad' but rather a tool to help consumers navigate and improve their food choices. A dark green 'A' indicates the highest nutritional quality relative to similar products, while a dark orange 'E' indicates the lowest. However, a product with a D or E score is not forbidden; it simply means it should be consumed less frequently or in smaller quantities.
Comparison of Nutri-Score Ratings
| Food Item | Typical Nutri-Score | Reason for Score | Comparison Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen French Fries (unprepared) | A | Simply cut potatoes, low fat/salt as sold. | Score decreases with preparation method (e.g., deep frying). |
| Diet Soda | B | Low/zero sugar and calorie content. | Scores better than full-sugar soda but not as high as water (A). |
| Olive Oil | C | Contains healthy fats but high energy density per 100ml. | Better than butter (E) but penalised by per-100ml calculation. |
| Plain Yoghurt | A | Low sugar, fat, and high protein. | Can vary with added sugar/flavours; Nutri-Score helps compare brands. |
| Cured Ham | D or E | High salt and saturated fat content. | Often receives a low score due to its composition, regardless of traditional status. |
| Sugary Cereals | D or E | High sugar and low fiber compared to other cereal types. | Helps identify healthier cereal options within the category. |
Nutri-Score and Public Health
Advocates of Nutri-Score point to its potential public health benefits, citing studies that show it effectively guides consumers toward healthier food purchases, especially those with lower nutritional literacy. The system also provides a market incentive for food manufacturers to reformulate their recipes to achieve a better score, potentially leading to a healthier overall food supply. For example, the 2023 algorithm update was designed to more effectively push manufacturers to reduce sugar and salt and increase fiber content. Critics, however, warn that it is not a silver bullet for addressing obesity and chronic diseases and must be used in conjunction with broader nutritional education.
Conclusion: A Quick Guide, Not a Dietary Rulebook
Ultimately, the Nutri-Score functions as a powerful, simplified tool to help consumers navigate supermarket shelves and make clearer comparisons of the nutritional quality of similar products. By balancing negative and positive nutritional components within a standardised 100g/ml metric, it provides an easily digestible summary of complex nutritional data. While it has faced criticism for its voluntary nature, potential misclassification of some traditional foods, and ignoring portion sizes, the system remains a scientifically-backed effort to improve public health by promoting healthier eating habits. As the algorithm is refined and its adoption grows, it continues to serve as an important instrument in Europe's ongoing conversation about nutrition and food policy.
foodwatch.org has more information on Nutri-Score and public health campaigning.
