Nutrition Diet: What is the difference between nutri score A and E?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Nutri-Score documentation, the system was developed to help consumers understand nutritional information more easily. When it comes to making informed dietary choices, understanding what is the difference between nutri score A and E? is essential. These two labels represent the opposite ends of a spectrum, from the most favorable to the least favorable nutritional quality of a food product.

Quick Summary

This article explains the core distinction between Nutri-Score A and Nutri-Score E, detailing the nutritional components used to calculate the scores. It outlines why A-rated foods are considered a better nutritional choice due to higher protein and fiber content, contrasting with E-rated products that contain higher levels of unfavorable elements like sugar and saturated fat.

Key Points

A vs. E: Nutri-Score A indicates superior nutritional quality (dark green), while Nutri-Score E signals the lowest (dark orange).
Calculation Factors: The score is derived by balancing a product's positive components (fiber, protein, fruits/vegetables) against negative ones (calories, sugar, saturated fat, salt).
Healthier Choices (A): A-rated foods are typically higher in fiber and protein and lower in undesirable nutrients.
Moderate Intake (E): E-rated foods are higher in calories, sugar, saturated fats, and salt, and are meant for occasional or moderate consumption.
In-Category Comparison: The label is most useful for comparing similar products on the same shelf, not for comparing different food categories.
Not a Complete Guide: Nutri-Score should supplement, not replace, a broader understanding of nutritional science and a balanced dietary pattern.

The Nutri-Score is a voluntary, front-of-pack nutrition labeling system designed to provide consumers with a quick, color-coded and letter-graded assessment of a food product's overall nutritional quality. Originating in France, the system has been adopted by several European countries to help guide healthier food choices. A product's score is calculated based on its nutritional composition per 100 grams or 100 milliliters, considering both 'favorable' and 'unfavorable' nutrients.

How the Nutri-Score is Calculated

The Nutri-Score algorithm works by assigning points based on a product's content of specific nutrients. Favorable components subtract points from the total, while unfavorable components add points. The final score places the product on a five-point scale, from A (dark green) to E (dark orange).

The unfavorable components that increase a product's score are:

Energy (calories)
Sugars
Saturated fatty acids
Sodium (salt)

Conversely, the favorable components that decrease the score are:

Proportion of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
Fiber content
Protein content

Based on the final calculation, the product is assigned its corresponding Nutri-Score letter and color. The lower the total score, the better the nutritional quality, resulting in a greener label.

Breaking Down Nutri-Score A

Nutri-Score A, with its dark green color, signifies the highest possible nutritional quality within a given food category. Products earning this score are primarily characterized by a beneficial nutrient profile. They are high in favorable components and low in unfavorable ones.

Characteristics of Nutri-Score A products:

High in fiber: Often found in whole-grain products, vegetables, and fruits.
Rich in protein: Important for muscle health and satiety.
High percentage of fruits, vegetables, and nuts: Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Low in calories, sugars, and saturated fats: Aligns with general dietary recommendations for a balanced intake.

Examples of A-rated products might include certain whole-grain cereals, plain yogurts, unsalted nuts, and oily fish. The label indicates these foods can be a frequent part of a healthy diet.

Understanding Nutri-Score E

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Nutri-Score E, marked by a dark orange color, which denotes the lowest nutritional quality. Products with this score have a less favorable profile, meaning they contain high levels of nutrients that should be limited.

Characteristics of Nutri-Score E products:

High in calories and energy density: These products contribute significantly to overall caloric intake.
Rich in saturated fatty acids: Often contain high levels of unhealthy fats.
High in sugars and salt: Excessive consumption is linked to health risks.
Low in favorable components: Often contain minimal fiber, protein, or fruit and vegetable content.

Examples of E-rated products include sugary drinks, high-fat processed meats, and certain desserts and fatty snacks. While not forbidden, these foods should be consumed sparingly and in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutri-Score A vs E: A Clearer Picture


Feature	Nutri-Score A	Nutri-Score E
Visual Cue	Dark Green	Dark Orange
Nutritional Quality	Highest	Lowest
Key Nutrients (Favorable)	High in protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, nuts.	Low in protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, nuts.
Key Nutrients (Unfavorable)	Low in calories, saturated fat, sugars, and salt.	High in calories, saturated fat, sugars, and salt.
Dietary Recommendation	Can be consumed frequently as part of a balanced diet.	Should be consumed in moderation or occasionally.
Example Foods	Plain yogurt, oily fish, whole-grain bread.	Sugary beverages, high-fat processed snacks, butter.
Health Impact (Excessive)	Associated with positive dietary patterns.	Linked to increased risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues.

The Importance of Context

While the Nutri-Score provides valuable guidance, it's not a complete picture of a food's healthiness. It is a comparative tool for similar products. For instance, comparing the Nutri-Score of two different types of breakfast cereal is useful, but comparing a cereal with a soda is less meaningful. The system does not account for aspects like additives, pesticide residues, or overall diet variety. Consumers should use the label in conjunction with general healthy eating guidelines rather than relying on it exclusively.

Furthermore, independent scientific bodies consistently review and update the Nutri-Score algorithm to align with the latest nutritional science. These updates help ensure the score remains a relevant and effective public health tool. The updated algorithm gives a better score to foods with good nutrient levels and is stricter with products that are less balanced, encouraging product reformulation by manufacturers.

Conclusion

The key distinction between Nutri-Score A and E lies in their underlying nutritional composition, which is summarized instantly for the consumer. An A score indicates a product that is high in beneficial nutrients like fiber and protein while being low in sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Conversely, an E score points to a product with a less favorable profile, rich in components that should be consumed sparingly. By understanding these differences, shoppers can effectively use Nutri-Score to make healthier choices within specific food categories. It serves as a helpful tool to complement broader nutritional knowledge and encourages a more balanced dietary pattern over time. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate all E-rated products but to use the label as a guide to promote moderation and informed decisions. For more detailed information on the system's development, consult the official documentation provided by public health bodies like Santé publique France.

Key Takeaways

Nutri-Score Explained: A front-of-pack label that uses a color and letter scale (A-E) to rate a product's nutritional quality.
A vs. E: Nutri-Score A indicates the highest nutritional quality, while E represents the lowest.
Favorable Nutrients: A-rated products are high in favorable elements like fiber, protein, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Unfavorable Nutrients: E-rated products are high in unfavorable components such as calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
A Guide for Comparison: Use Nutri-Score to compare similar products, for example, two different breakfast cereals, to make a more informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nutri-Score is calculated based on a product's nutritional values per 100 grams or 100 milliliters. It assigns positive points for unfavorable components (calories, sugar, saturated fats, salt) and negative points for favorable ones (fiber, protein, fruit, vegetables, nuts). The final score, based on the balance of these points, determines the letter and color.

An E score does not mean a product is forbidden or 'unhealthy' but indicates a lower nutritional quality relative to others in the same category. These items are generally higher in fat, sugar, or salt and should be consumed in moderation, not eliminated entirely from a diet.

No, a balanced diet requires a variety of foods, and eating only A-rated products is not advisable. The Nutri-Score helps guide choices within food groups, but overall dietary balance is more important. It complements, but doesn't replace, broader dietary recommendations.

Nutri-Score is a voluntary system primarily used in several European countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Switzerland. Its adoption is not mandatory across all countries, and other regions may use different nutritional labeling systems.

The Nutri-Score algorithm is based solely on the balance of nutrients (sugar, salt, fat, etc.) and beneficial ingredients like fiber and protein. It does not consider other factors such as the presence of additives, pesticide residues, or the degree of processing.

The Nutri-Score algorithm was updated in 2023 and took effect in early 2024 to better reflect the latest scientific knowledge and dietary guidelines. The changes aimed to improve the classification of certain products, such as whole grains, fish, and oils, resulting in rating adjustments for some items.

When comparing products within the same food category, choosing an A-rated item is generally a better nutritional choice. However, context is key; a single A-rated product doesn't make a diet healthy if it lacks variety. It's a tool for relative comparison, not absolute health assessment.