What is the Nutri-Score?
The Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack food labeling system that was introduced in France in 2017 and has since been adopted by several other European nations. Its primary goal is to help consumers quickly assess the nutritional quality of a packaged food product at a glance, thereby promoting healthier eating habits and enabling consumers to make more informed purchase decisions. The label converts a product's nutritional value into a simple, color-coded scale with corresponding letters, from 'A' (dark green) to 'E' (dark orange).
How the Nutri-Score Algorithm Works
The Nutri-Score is not an arbitrary rating but is based on a scientifically-validated algorithm that calculates a single, overall score for each food product per 100 grams or 100 milliliters. The score is derived from balancing positive nutritional elements against negative ones.
Elements that contribute negative points (to be limited):
- Energy (calories)
- Sugars
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sodium (salt)
Elements that contribute positive points (to be encouraged):
- Fiber
- Protein
- Fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
- Certain beneficial oils, like olive, rapeseed, and walnut oil
The total score, which ranges from -15 (best) to +40 (worst), determines the final letter and color rating. A lower score signifies a better nutritional quality.
The A-to-E Scale: Why 'E' is Not a Good Score
The Nutri-Score scale offers a visual shorthand for nutritional quality. A product with a dark green 'A' rating has the most favorable nutrient composition and should be favored. In contrast, a dark orange 'E' indicates the least favorable composition. The misconception that 'EA' could be a positive rating is likely a confusion of the two ends of the scale. The presence of an 'E' on a food label clearly indicates a product with a high concentration of unfavorable components.
What an 'E' Rating Signifies
An 'E' rating means that, compared to other products in the same category, the food contains large amounts of one or more of the negative elements: sugar, saturated fats, salt, or calories. For example, certain sugary confectionery, heavily processed meats, or high-salt snacks are likely to receive an 'E' score. It is a signal to consumers that this product is low in nutritional quality and should be consumed sparingly, if at all. However, it is not a declaration that the food is 'bad' or dangerous, merely that it should be an infrequent part of a balanced diet.
Understanding the Limitations of Nutri-Score
While an effective tool, Nutri-Score has its limitations that consumers should be aware of for a truly healthy diet. One major criticism is its reliance on a 100g/100ml basis for calculation, which doesn't account for portion size.
The Olive Oil Paradox
A classic example of the system's limitation is the rating of olive oil. Due to its high energy and fat content per 100ml, olive oil receives a 'C' or 'D' rating. However, it is a key component of a healthy Mediterranean diet and is typically consumed in small quantities, like a teaspoon, not 100ml at a time. This illustrates that while the score is useful for comparing similar products, it does not replace common sense and dietary guidelines based on portion sizes.
Ignoring Other Factors
Another critique is that the Nutri-Score algorithm does not take into account the presence of additives, preservatives, or the degree of food processing, as current scientific knowledge doesn't allow for their easy inclusion in a simple, synthetic index. Some highly-processed foods may receive a better score than less-processed, traditional items, which can be misleading. Therefore, savvy consumers should still read the full list of ingredients on the back of the package.
Nutri-Score Comparison: A vs. E
| Feature | Nutri-Score A (Dark Green) | Nutri-Score E (Dark Orange) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Quality | Highest | Lowest |
| Contribution | Positively contributes to a healthy diet | Should be consumed in small quantities and infrequently |
| Key Factors | High in positive nutrients (fiber, protein, fruit/veg), low in negative nutrients (sugar, salt, sat. fats, calories) | High in negative nutrients (sugar, salt, sat. fats, calories), low in positive ones |
| Example (within same category) | A low-sugar muesli with whole grains and nuts | A sugar-laden chocolate cereal |
How to Use Nutri-Score for a Healthier Diet
To make the most of the Nutri-Score system and improve your overall diet, follow these simple steps:
- Compare Within Categories: Use Nutri-Score to compare similar products on the same shelf, such as choosing between different brands of breakfast cereal, pizza, or ready-made meals.
- Understand the Nuance: An 'E' rating does not mean a food is forbidden. It means it should be consumed occasionally, while 'A' and 'B' products can be eaten more frequently. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods, and restricting yourself to only 'A' and 'B' items is unnecessary.
- Read the Full Label: Use the Nutri-Score as a quick guide, but don't stop there. For a more comprehensive understanding, check the detailed nutritional information and ingredient list on the back of the packaging.
- Consider Context: Remember that factors like portion size and food preparation (e.g., cooking frozen fries) are not included in the score and require your own judgment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 'E' in the Nutri-Score rating is not a good score; it is the lowest grade, indicating a product with an unfavorable nutritional profile due to high levels of sugar, saturated fat, sodium, and/or calories. The Nutri-Score is a valuable tool for comparing similar products at a glance and making better-informed choices within your grocery category, which can help guide consumers toward healthier options. However, it is essential to understand its limitations, especially concerning portion sizes and factors beyond pure nutritional composition. For the most balanced diet, use Nutri-Score as a guide while maintaining a varied intake of fresh, unprocessed foods. Further information on the Nutri-Score system can be found at the official source, Santé publique France.
