The Nutri-Score Explained
The Nutri-Score is a voluntary, front-of-pack nutrition labeling system that was developed in France by independent scientists to simplify nutritional information for consumers. By translating complex nutritional data into a simple color-coded letter system, it aims to help people make healthier food choices more easily. While the full nutrition table is often on the back of packaging, the Nutri-Score provides an immediate, at-a-glance assessment of a product's nutritional quality. Its purpose is to help consumers make more informed decisions, particularly when comparing different processed foods on the same shelf, such as breakfast cereals or snacks.
How the Nutri-Score Is Calculated
The Nutri-Score calculation is based on an algorithm that scores a food product per 100 grams or 100 milliliters. It takes into account both nutrients that should be limited and those that should be encouraged. The final score is a result of subtracting points for favorable elements from points for unfavorable elements. The algorithm has been refined over time based on scientific and public health recommendations. For example, a 2023 update was implemented to better align the scoring with dietary guidelines, particularly improving the rating of healthy options like oily fish and vegetable oils.
Favorable and Unfavorable Components
To determine a product's score, the following nutritional components are considered by the algorithm:
- Unfavorable Nutrients (points added):
- Energy (calories)
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sugars
- Salt (sodium)
- Favorable Nutrients (points subtracted):
- Protein
- Dietary fiber
- The proportion of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
Deciphering the Color-Coded Letter Scale
The result of the calculation is translated into a simple, five-level color-coded scale, each associated with a letter from A to E. The colors and letters represent the overall nutritional quality of the product.
- A (Dark Green): Highest nutritional quality. A product with a dark green A is considered a healthier choice within its category.
- B (Light Green): Good nutritional quality. A product you can eat relatively frequently.
- C (Yellow): Medium nutritional quality. A neutral score, best consumed in moderation.
- D (Orange): Lower nutritional quality. Indicates a product with higher levels of unfavorable components.
- E (Dark Orange/Red): Lowest nutritional quality. A product that should be consumed sparingly.
Using Nutri-Score for Smarter Shopping
The Nutri-Score system is most effective for comparing products within the same category to guide consumers toward healthier options. For example, when looking at the breakfast cereal aisle, you can compare different cereals to see which one has a higher nutritional score, indicated by a greener color and a letter closer to A. This makes it a quick tool for selecting the most nutritionally balanced choice among similar items without having to read and interpret the detailed nutritional information on the back of each package.
Benefits and Limitations of Nutri-Score
Comparison of Nutri-Score vs. Other Labels
| Feature | Nutri-Score | UK Traffic Light System | Mexican Warning Labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Color-coded letter scale (A-E) | Color-coded system (Red, Amber, Green) for specific nutrients | Black octagons for 'high in' warnings |
| Scope | Summarizes overall nutritional quality | Highlights individual nutrients (fat, sugar, salt) | Alerts consumers to excessive levels of specific nutrients |
| Comparison | Best for comparing similar products | Provides quick info on individual nutrients | Primarily for identifying unhealthy foods |
| Effectiveness | Studies show higher effectiveness for promoting overall healthier choices | Less consistent effect on nutrient identification | Useful for targeting specific nutrients but less overall |
Limitations
Despite its effectiveness, Nutri-Score has its limitations. It is not designed to compare products from different food categories. For instance, comparing olive oil (often a 'C' or 'D' due to its calorie density) with a diet soda (sometimes a 'B' due to low calories) can be misleading. The score also does not account for the degree of food processing, the presence of additives, or the origin of ingredients.
Outbound Link
For more in-depth information about the development and updates of the Nutri-Score system, consult the official website of the French Public Health Agency, Santé publique France: https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/en/nutri-score.
Conclusion
The Nutri-Score serves as a valuable public health tool by providing a simple, color-coded summary of a food product's nutritional quality. By offsetting favorable components like protein and fiber against unfavorable ones such as sugar and saturated fat, it offers a quick and easy way for consumers to compare similar products and make healthier choices. While it is most effective within product categories and has acknowledged limitations regarding ultra-processed foods and cross-category comparison, it remains a powerful guide for informed decision-making in the supermarket. By understanding what is meant by Nutri-Score, shoppers can better navigate the food landscape toward a more balanced diet.
