What Does Nutri-Score D Mean? Your Guide to Interpreting the Orange Label

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

First implemented in France in 2017 and now used across several European countries, the Nutri-Score system simplifies food labelling. Understanding what does Nutri-Score D mean is a vital step in deciphering this five-color system for better-informed, healthier food purchasing decisions in a glance.

Quick Summary

The Nutri-Score D designation signals a food product with lower overall nutritional quality, typically higher in sugars, saturated fats, salt, or energy density. The orange label suggests that consumption should be in moderation.

Key Points

Orange Label: Nutri-Score D is the second-to-last category, colored orange, indicating a lower overall nutritional quality.
Nutrient Imbalance: The D rating is assigned to products where negative nutritional elements, such as high energy, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, significantly outweigh positive ones like fiber and protein.
Moderation Recommended: The orange label signals that a product should be consumed in moderation rather than being a frequent part of one's diet.
Context is Crucial: The Nutri-Score is most useful for comparing similar products within the same food category, not for comparing vastly different food types.
Examples Vary: Products with a Nutri-Score D can include certain types of processed cheeses, cured meats, and sweet snacks, depending on their exact formulation.
Industry Incentive: The Nutri-Score system encourages food manufacturers to reformulate their recipes to achieve a better nutritional rating.

Deciphering the Nutri-Score System

The Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack food label that uses a five-point, color-coded scale from A (dark green, highest nutritional quality) to E (dark orange/red, lowest nutritional quality). It helps consumers compare the nutritional value of similar products at a glance. The score, calculated per 100g or 100ml, balances positive nutrients like protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables against negative ones like energy, saturated fats, sugar, and sodium. The letter 'D' and its orange color denote lower nutritional quality, suggesting consumption in limited quantities.

The Algorithm Behind the Orange 'D'

The Nutri-Score calculation relies on a scientifically validated algorithm that assigns 'negative points' for unfavorable components and 'positive points' for favorable ones. For solid foods, a score between 11 and 18 results in a Nutri-Score D, indicating that negative components outweigh positive ones. For beverages, a score between 6 and 9 translates to a D rating. The orange label clearly distinguishes these products from those with A, B, or C ratings.

Common Foods with a Nutri-Score D

A product's Nutri-Score D rating depends on the balance of its ingredients. It's often found in processed foods or those high in added fats and sugars. Examples may include:

Certain cheeses, particularly hard or processed types, due to high saturated fat and salt. Moderation is key for these.
Some cured or processed meats, often high in sodium.
Certain ready-made meals like frozen pizzas or lasagna, which can be high in salt, fat, and calories, although healthier versions exist.
Desserts and sweet snacks like cookies or pastries, frequently rated D or E, though alternatives may score better.

Nutri-Score D vs. Other Ratings: A Quick Comparison

To understand Nutri-Score D's place, here's a comparison with other ratings:


Feature	Nutri-Score A	Nutri-Score C	Nutri-Score D	Nutri-Score E
Color	Dark Green	Yellow	Orange	Dark Red
Nutritional Quality	Highest	Medium	Lower	Lowest
Recommendation	Prioritize	Moderate Regularly	Consume in Moderation	Consume Rarely
Key Characteristics	High in fiber, protein, fruits/veg; low in sugar, saturated fat, sodium	Balanced profile; some negative elements, some positive	Higher in sugar, saturated fat, salt, and/or energy	Very high in negative elements; low in positive
Example (General Food)	Vegetables, certain whole-grain breads	Some yogurts, most poultry	Some cheeses, certain processed meats	Sweetened drinks, high-sugar desserts
Consumer Action	Choose frequently	Can include in a balanced diet	Consume in smaller quantities or less frequently	Best to limit and save for special occasions

How to Interpret and Use the Nutri-Score D Label

A Nutri-Score D doesn't mean a product is forbidden but rather suggests mindful consumption. It's best used to compare products within the same category to find more nutritionally favorable options. A balanced diet can include occasional items with a D or E rating. The label empowers consumers to be more aware of their food choices.

Strategizing Your Shopping

Use these tips when shopping with Nutri-Score:

Compare Within Categories: Compare different brands of the same product rather than comparing items from different food groups.
Prioritize A and B: Focus on products with A and B ratings for frequent consumption.
Mindful Moderation for C, D, and E: Consume products with these ratings in smaller quantities or less often.
Look Beyond the Label: The Nutri-Score doesn't cover all nutritional aspects like processing level or additives. Always check the full ingredients list and nutritional panel.

How Manufacturers Can Improve a Product's Nutri-Score

The Nutri-Score encourages manufacturers to improve their product formulations for better health outcomes. They can:

Reduce negative nutrients like sugar, saturated fat, and salt.
Increase positive nutrients such as fiber or protein.
Substitute ingredients for healthier alternatives.
Develop new products with better nutritional profiles.

Conclusion: Context is Key for Nutri-Score D

Nutri-Score D is an orange label indicating lower nutritional quality compared to similar products, recommending moderation due to higher levels of less desirable ingredients like sugar, salt, or saturated fats. It serves as a quick comparison tool within categories, helping consumers make more informed choices for a balanced diet. For further detailed information, resources like the European Consumer Organisation BEUC offer in-depth reports and FAQs.

What Does Nutri-Score D Mean

A Quick Guide to Nutri-Score D

FAQs About Nutri-Score

How to Improve a Nutri-Score

Why Some Healthy Foods Get a 'Bad' Score

The Role of Nutri-Score in Public Health

Understanding the Nutri-Score Algorithm

Frequently Asked Questions

A product receives a Nutri-Score D when its overall numerical score falls between 11 and 18 for solid foods, indicating a poor nutritional balance. This typically happens when the product is high in energy (calories), saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, which gives it a high number of 'negative points' that are not offset by favorable components.

No, a Nutri-Score D does not mean a food is inherently 'bad'. It simply suggests that compared to other products, its nutritional profile is less favorable. The label recommends that these items be consumed in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Yes. Some traditionally valued foods like certain cheeses or processed meats can receive a Nutri-Score D due to their high saturated fat and salt content. The score reflects their nutrient density, not their traditional or cultural value, reminding consumers to enjoy them in moderation.

Yes, there are different algorithms for solid foods, fats and oils, and beverages. For beverages, the criteria for the different scores are adjusted. For example, a beverage scores a D if its numerical score is between 6 and 9.

Use the Nutri-Score to compare similar products, such as different brands of yogurt or breakfast cereals. It provides a quick visual cue to help you choose the most nutritionally favorable option within a single product category.

Yes, food manufacturers are incentivized by the Nutri-Score to reformulate their products. This can be done by reducing negative components like salt and sugar, or by adding positive components such as fiber or protein.

The use of the Nutri-Score is voluntary in many of the countries where it has been adopted. This means that not all manufacturers choose to display the label on their products. Additionally, the label is not applicable to certain categories of food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.