Demystifying the Nutri-Score: A Guide to Grades
To understand what constitutes a good Nutri-Score, it's essential to grasp how the system works. Developed by French scientists, this voluntary front-of-pack label helps consumers assess the nutritional quality of food products. It is calculated based on a product's composition per 100 grams or 100 milliliters, considering both 'unfavorable' and 'favorable' nutrients.
The score is determined by subtracting the points for beneficial components from the points for less healthy components. The final score is then translated into one of five color-coded letter grades:
- Grade A (Dark Green): Represents the highest nutritional quality, indicating products with a balanced profile, high in beneficial nutrients.
- Grade B (Light Green): Still a very good choice, but with a slightly less favorable nutritional balance compared to 'A'.
- Grade C (Yellow): A neutral, middle-of-the-road score for products of moderate nutritional quality.
- Grade D (Orange): Indicates a less balanced nutritional profile, suggesting moderate consumption.
- Grade E (Dark Orange/Red): The lowest nutritional quality, to be consumed sparingly or in moderation.
Therefore, when questioning what is a good Nutri-Score, the answer is unequivocally a grade of 'A' or 'B'. However, this doesn't mean products with lower scores should be demonized; rather, they should be consumed less frequently or in smaller quantities. The score is most useful for comparing similar products on the same shelf, such as different brands of breakfast cereal or pre-packaged meals.
The Algorithm: How the Nutri-Score is Calculated
The calculation for the Nutri-Score is based on a transparent algorithm that awards points for nutrients and food components. The total score is a balance of these two factors.
Components with Negative Points:
- Energy (calories)
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sugars
- Salt (sodium)
Components with Positive Points:
- Fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
- Fibre
- Protein
- Certain vegetable oils (rapeseed, walnut, and olive oil)
The final grade is determined by subtracting the favorable points from the unfavorable points. A lower total score indicates a higher nutritional quality. The algorithm was updated in early 2024 to better align with current dietary guidelines and scientific knowledge, leading to stricter ratings for sugary and salty products.
How to Interpret and Use the Nutri-Score Effectively
For consumers, the Nutri-Score is a simple tool to compare foods quickly. Research has consistently shown that the Nutri-Score is one of the most effective front-of-pack labels for helping people identify healthier choices, even for those with limited nutritional knowledge.
Tips for using the Nutri-Score:
- Compare similar products: Always use the Nutri-Score to compare items within the same category. For example, choose the cereal with a 'B' over the one with a 'D'. Comparing a vegetable oil with a fizzy drink is not the intended use and can be misleading, even though the oil might receive a lower score due to its high-fat density.
- Don't demonize 'E' products: The occasional treat with an 'E' score is fine as part of a balanced diet. The system is designed to encourage moderation for products high in salt, sugar, or saturated fats, not to eliminate them entirely.
- Look beyond the label: While the Nutri-Score is a great tool, it doesn't consider all aspects of a food, such as the degree of processing or the presence of additives. A balanced diet should still incorporate fresh, unprocessed foods. It is a complementary tool, not a replacement for overall dietary guidelines.
Comparing Different Food Labels
| Feature | Nutri-Score | Traffic Light System (UK) | Health Star Rating (Australia/NZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating Format | Color-coded letters (A-E) | Red/Amber/Green per nutrient | Stars (0.5 to 5) |
| Information | Provides a single, overall score based on an algorithm weighing positive vs. negative components. | Breaks down individual nutrient levels (sugar, fat, salt). | Provides an overall star rating, considering both positive and negative components. |
| Ease of Use | Quick and simple to compare overall nutritional quality at a glance. | Intuitive for individual nutrient content but lacks a single overall score for easy comparison. | Straightforward star rating, with higher stars indicating a better health rating. |
| Key Consideration | Best for comparing similar products to find the most nutritionally balanced option. | Clear indicator of which specific nutrients are high or low. | Helpful for identifying healthier options within a food category. |
Conclusion
Ultimately, a good Nutri-Score is a grade of 'A' or 'B', but its value lies in its ability to simplify complex nutritional information for easy comparison. By using this system to choose more nutritionally balanced products within the same food category and prioritizing fresh foods alongside it, consumers can make more informed decisions. It serves as a powerful public health tool, prompting food manufacturers to reformulate products for better nutritional quality and empowering individuals to build a healthier, more balanced diet.
Important Note: The Nutri-Score provides guidance per 100g/100ml, so it doesn't account for portion sizes. Always remember to practice moderation, especially with products scoring 'D' or 'E'.
