The Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack food labeling system that provides consumers with a clear and concise assessment of a product's nutritional quality. This voluntary system, which originated in France and has been adopted by several other European countries, translates complex nutritional data into a simple five-level scale. By understanding what are the Nutri-Score levels, consumers can make more informed choices quickly and easily while shopping.
The Five Nutri-Score Levels
The Nutri-Score uses a combination of colors and letters to categorize foods, moving from dark green 'A' for the most nutritionally beneficial products to red 'E' for the least. This visual system helps guide consumers toward healthier options within a product category.
Nutri-Score A (Dark Green)
This is the highest rating a food product can receive, indicating it has the most favorable nutritional profile. These products are rich in positive nutrients like fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein, while being low in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Examples often include fresh vegetables, fruits, and certain whole-grain foods.
Nutri-Score B (Light Green)
Products in this category are also considered good choices with a relatively high nutritional quality. They are generally well-balanced but may contain slightly more negative components than 'A' rated items. Examples often include some lean meats, poultry, or dairy products.
Nutri-Score C (Yellow)
This mid-range score represents food with an average nutritional quality. These items are neither exceptionally good nor bad for you and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet. Many processed foods fall into this category, representing a moderate nutritional value.
Nutri-Score D (Orange)
An orange 'D' score indicates a less favorable nutritional profile. These products are typically higher in sugar, saturated fats, salt, or calories and should be consumed in moderation. Examples often include certain ready-made meals, fatty snacks, or sweetened beverages.
Nutri-Score E (Red)
This is the lowest possible score and signifies the lowest nutritional quality. Products with a red 'E' are generally high in sugar, saturated fats, and salt, and should be consumed only occasionally and in small amounts. These are often indulgent items like sweets, certain desserts, and ultra-processed snacks.
How the Nutri-Score is Calculated
The Nutri-Score calculation is based on a transparent, scientific algorithm that assesses a product's nutritional value per 100g or 100ml. It awards points based on both “negative” and “positive” components.
Negative components (awarded points to be limited):
- Energy (calories)
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sugars
- Salt (sodium)
Positive components (points deducted to be encouraged):
- Fruits, vegetables, and legumes content
- Fibre content
- Protein content
- Certain beneficial oils (rapeseed, walnut, olive)
The final Nutri-Score is the result of subtracting the positive points from the negative points, with the final value determining the grade from A to E. A product with a low net score receives a better grade, while a high net score results in a poorer grade.
A Comparison of Nutri-Score Categories
To better illustrate the differences between the levels, the following table compares hypothetical products across the Nutri-Score categories. These examples are based on common product characteristics and the scoring system, though actual scores may vary by brand and formulation.
| Feature | Nutri-Score A (Dark Green) | Nutri-Score C (Yellow) | Nutri-Score E (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Fresh vegetables, whole fruits, plain yogurt | Canned soup, flavored crackers, breakfast cereal | Sugary soda, chocolate bars, fried snacks |
| Saturated Fats | Very Low | Moderate | High |
| Sugars | Very Low | Moderate to High | Very High |
| Salt (Sodium) | Very Low | Moderate | High |
| Fibre | High | Moderate | Low |
| Fruits/Vegetables | High | Low | None |
| Nutritional Quality | Excellent | Average | Poor |
| Consumption | Encouraged daily | Consume in moderation | Consume occasionally |
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Nutri-Score
Like any system, Nutri-Score has its strengths and limitations. It is highly effective for its intended purpose of providing quick, at-a-glance information for consumers comparing similar products on a shelf, such as different brands of breakfast cereals.
Strengths:
- Easy to Understand: The color and letter system is intuitive, simplifying complex nutritional data for average consumers.
- Promotes Healthier Choices: Studies show it can guide consumers toward purchasing healthier food options, helping to combat obesity and related diseases.
- Encourages Product Reformulation: Food manufacturers are incentivized to improve the nutritional quality of their products to achieve a better score.
Weaknesses:
- Potential for Misleading Comparisons: The system is not designed to compare different food categories (e.g., olive oil vs. diet soda), which can lead to misinterpretation. For example, olive oil may receive a 'D' due to its calorie density, while a diet drink receives a 'B' despite offering no nutritional benefit.
- Ignores Degree of Processing: The Nutri-Score algorithm doesn't account for the processing level or presence of additives, which are important factors for many health-conscious consumers.
- Doesn't Consider All Nutrients: Important micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are not factored into the calculation, potentially giving a lower score to otherwise healthy foods.
The Evolution of the Nutri-Score Algorithm
In response to some of these criticisms and in line with evolving scientific knowledge, the algorithm has been revised. As of 2024, an updated version of the algorithm has been rolled out in participating countries, with adjustments made to better classify certain products. The new calculation is stricter on salty products, sugary items, and red meat, while more favorable to whole-grain foods, fibrous products, and healthy oils. This shows the system is not static and is continuously refined by independent scientific experts.
Conclusion
In summary, the Nutri-Score system provides a powerful, voluntary tool for quickly assessing the overall nutritional quality of packaged foods. By condensing a product's nutritional information into a five-level, color-coded scale (A to E), it empowers consumers to make better choices at the point of purchase. While it has limitations—especially when comparing across very different food groups—it remains an effective public health tool for comparing similar items. For individuals seeking to understand what are the Nutri-Score levels and use them effectively, the key is to apply the system within product categories and remember that it serves as a guide, not a definitive judgment of a food's role in a complete dietary pattern. For a detailed breakdown of the algorithm changes, you can refer to the official Santé publique France website.
