Is Nutri-Score E Bad? Unpacking the Lowest Nutritional Grade

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research from BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, Nutri-Score is not about praising or demonizing foods. The front-of-pack label helps consumers convert nutritional information into a simple, color-coded score, but understanding if Nutri-Score E is bad requires looking beyond the single letter.

Quick Summary

Nutri-Score E signifies a lower nutritional quality, often due to high levels of calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt, but does not label a food as "bad" or forbidden. The grade, calculated per 100g, serves as a comparative tool for similar items, guiding consumers toward better choices within food categories.

Key Points

Not 'Bad,' but 'Less Favorable': Nutri-Score E signifies a lower nutritional quality, not that a food is inherently bad or forbidden.
A Comparative Tool: The score is most effective for comparing similar products within the same food category, not for judging different food groups against each other.
High in Unfavorable Nutrients: Nutri-Score E products are often high in calories, saturated fat, sugars, and salt, which should be consumed in moderation.
Calculated per 100g/ml: The score is based on a standard 100g or 100ml portion, which may not reflect typical serving sizes.
Part of a Balanced Diet: Foods with a Nutri-Score E can still be part of a healthy diet when consumed less frequently and in smaller quantities.

What Nutri-Score E Really Means

The Nutri-Score system uses a five-level, color-coded scale from A (dark green) to E (dark orange) to provide a snapshot of a product's nutritional quality. A Nutri-Score of E indicates that a food has a less favorable nutritional composition, with the calculation algorithm penalizing high levels of energy (calories), saturated fatty acids, sugar, and salt. However, simply labeling a product as 'E' does not make it inherently 'bad'. Instead, it signals to the consumer that this item should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and highlights that healthier alternatives may exist within the same product category.

The Calculation Behind the Score

The Nutri-Score algorithm works by weighing favorable nutritional elements against unfavorable ones. For every 100g or 100ml of a food product, the algorithm assigns points for components that should be limited (calories, saturated fat, sugars, salt) and deducts points for components to be encouraged (fiber, protein, fruit, vegetables, and nuts). A final total score is then assigned a corresponding letter and color. A product with a higher concentration of unfavorable elements will receive a higher negative score, leading to a Nutri-Score E designation.

Examples of Foods with Nutri-Score E

Common products that often receive a Nutri-Score E include:

Butters and saturated fats: High in saturated fatty acids.
Sweetened beverages: High in sugar and calories.
Certain cheeses: High in salt and saturated fat.
Processed meats: High in salt and fat.
Sugary breakfast cereals: Contains high levels of added sugar.
Specific oils: Palm and coconut oil are high in saturated fats compared to alternatives like olive or rapeseed oil.
Salty snacks: Crisps and other fried snacks.

This list demonstrates that Nutri-Score E is not reserved for "junk food" alone. Traditional and culturally significant items like certain cheeses or cured meats can also land in this category due to their natural composition, which is often high in salt and fat. This underscores the importance of context when interpreting the score.

Comparison: Nutri-Score A vs. Nutri-Score E

To fully grasp the significance of Nutri-Score E, it is useful to compare it with the highest possible grade, Nutri-Score A. This comparison highlights the nutritional characteristics that the system is designed to emphasize.


Feature	Nutri-Score A	Nutri-Score E
Nutritional Composition	More favorable. Higher levels of fiber, protein, fruits, and vegetables.	Less favorable. Higher levels of calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
Associated Color	Dark Green.	Dark Orange.
Consumption Recommendation	Consume more regularly as part of a healthy diet.	Consume in smaller quantities and less frequently.
Typical Examples	Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain cereals, fresh oily fish.	Sugary drinks, butter, cured meats, salty fried snacks.
Role in a Balanced Diet	Foundation of a healthy diet, promoting regular intake of beneficial nutrients.	Should be considered a treat or an item for occasional consumption.

Does Nutri-Score E Mean I Can't Eat It?

Absolutely not. The Nutri-Score is a tool for comparison and guidance, not a black-and-white verdict on a food's value. Products with a Nutri-Score E are not forbidden. It's about moderation and awareness. For instance, while butter receives a Nutri-Score E due to its high saturated fat content, it can still be part of a healthy diet when used sparingly. Similarly, indulging in a portion of cheese with a Nutri-Score E can be done without guilt, as long as your overall dietary pattern is balanced and emphasizes foods with higher scores. The key is understanding that products with a low score should be viewed as items to be consumed less frequently or in smaller amounts.

Furthermore, the system is designed to allow comparison within a food group. This is one of its most helpful features. When comparing different breakfast cereals, you can easily identify which one has a higher nutritional quality by checking the score, helping you make a more informed choice at a glance. A Nutri-Score of E simply provides clear information on which products offer a less favorable nutritional profile compared to others on the shelf.

Limitations and Important Considerations

While helpful, the Nutri-Score has its limitations. It does not account for the presence of certain additives or the degree of food processing, which are important factors for many health-conscious consumers. The score is based on a 100g or 100ml reference amount, which can sometimes be misleading as it doesn't consider typical portion sizes. For example, a small portion of a product with a Nutri-Score E might be less detrimental than a large portion of a product with a better score. Finally, it is just one tool among many and should be used alongside broader dietary recommendations, such as those provided by national health authorities.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "is Nutri-Score E bad?"—the answer is no, not in the sense that the food is off-limits. Nutri-Score E simply means a product has a lower nutritional quality, often due to higher levels of salt, sugar, saturated fat, or calories, and should be eaten in moderation. It is a comparative signal, designed to empower consumers to make more informed choices by easily comparing products within a category. A balanced diet is built on a variety of foods, and occasionally enjoying an item with a Nutri-Score E is perfectly fine, as long as your overall eating habits lean towards more nutrient-dense options. The label is a guide, not a final judgment on a food's role in your life.

foodwatch.org - Nutri-Score: how to use a label to improve health and diet

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutri-Score E is the lowest grade in the Nutri-Score system, indicating that a product has the least favorable nutritional composition due to high levels of saturated fat, sugar, salt, and calories.

No, you should not avoid all Nutri-Score E foods. The label is a guide for moderation, not a ban. These foods can be enjoyed in smaller quantities and less frequently as part of an otherwise balanced diet.

Some traditional foods, like certain cured meats or cheeses, might receive a Nutri-Score E because they are naturally high in salt or saturated fat, despite being part of traditional healthy diets. The score evaluates nutrient content per 100g, not the food's entire context.

No, comparing different food categories using Nutri-Score can be misleading. It is designed to help you compare similar items, such as different types of oils or breakfast cereals, to make the healthier choice within that category.

The Nutri-Score E is determined by a scientific algorithm that weighs favorable nutrients (fiber, protein, fruit) against unfavorable ones (calories, sugar, saturated fat, salt) per 100g or 100ml. A high score from unfavorable elements leads to a lower final grade like E.

Products high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt, such as sweetened sodas, butter, palm oil, processed meats, and certain cheeses and snacks, are common examples of items that receive a Nutri-Score E.

It means the food has a less favorable nutritional balance compared to other products, based on the calculation. The score does not make a moral judgment about food, and the overall healthiness of your diet depends on the full range of foods and quantities you consume over time.