The Nutri-Score system, often seen as an 'ABCD' or 'ABCDE' scale, is a front-of-pack nutrition label designed to simplify complex nutritional information for consumers. Developed in France and adopted by several European countries, the voluntary label provides a quick, colour-coded overview of a food or beverage's nutritional quality based on a calculation for every 100g or 100ml. Products are graded from A (highest nutritional quality) to E (lowest), making it easy to compare similar products on the same shelf.
How is Nutri-Score calculated?
To determine a product's Nutri-Score, an algorithm weighs its 'unfavourable' and 'favourable' components. The final score is a result of subtracting the points from favourable elements from the points for unfavourable ones. A lower final score translates to a better Nutri-Score grade.
Negative scoring (unfavourable nutrients)
Points are allocated for nutritional elements that should be limited in a diet. The higher the amount of these components, the worse the score becomes:
- Energy: The total calorie content.
- Saturated Fatty Acids: Fats that are generally considered less healthy.
- Sugars: Both added and naturally occurring sugars.
- Sodium: The salt content.
Positive scoring (favourable nutrients)
Points are subtracted for nutritional elements that should be encouraged. The more of these components, the better the score becomes:
- Protein: Essential for muscle repair and function.
- Fibre: Crucial for digestive health.
- Fruits, Vegetables, Legumes, and Nuts: Valued for their vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content.
Understanding the Nutri-Score colour scale
The final numerical score places a product into one of five categories, each with a corresponding letter and colour. This visual representation allows for instant comparison while shopping.
- Dark Green (A): Excellent nutritional quality. These are the healthiest options and should be favoured.
- Light Green (B): Good nutritional quality. A solid, healthy choice.
- Yellow (C): Intermediate or moderate nutritional quality. Should be consumed in moderation.
- Orange (D): Poor nutritional quality. High in unfavourable nutrients and should be limited.
- Red/Dark Orange (E): Very poor nutritional quality. Products high in fat, saturated fats, sugar, and/or sodium.
Limitations and controversies of Nutri-Score
While largely praised for its simplicity, the Nutri-Score system has faced criticism. The most significant controversy revolves around how it rates certain traditional, minimally processed foods. For example, extra virgin olive oil, despite its well-known health benefits, can receive a lower score (e.g., a 'D') due to its high fat and calorie content. This does not account for the quality of the fat or the presence of healthy antioxidants.
Furthermore, the system doesn't directly consider the level of food processing, additives, or pesticide residues. Some critics argue this could unfairly favour some ultra-processed products that are reformulated to achieve a better score over less-processed whole foods. Manufacturers can sometimes manipulate the ingredients, such as adding fibre, to improve a product's Nutri-Score without a significant improvement in overall nutritional value.
Nutri-Score vs. Singapore's Nutri-Grade
While both are front-of-pack labels aimed at guiding consumers, they differ in their scope and focus. Here is a comparison:
| Feature | Nutri-Score | Nutri-Grade (Singapore) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Covers all food and beverage products | Primarily for beverages and certain high-sodium/fat products |
| Evaluation | Comprehensive evaluation balancing favourable (protein, fibre, fruits/veg) and unfavourable (calories, saturated fat, sugar, sodium) nutrients | Grades primarily based on sugar and saturated fat content |
| Grading System | 5-tier colour-coded scale from A to E | 4-tier colour-coded scale from A to D |
| Mandatory Status | Voluntary in most countries where it's adopted | Mandatory for Grade C and D drinks/products |
| Underlying Goal | To simplify overall nutritional quality comparison for all food types | To combat rising diabetes and obesity rates by targeting specific, high-risk nutrients |
Conclusion
Nutri-Score ABCD is a valuable, science-based tool for quickly assessing the nutritional quality of products, particularly when comparing items within the same category. By using a straightforward colour and letter scale, it helps consumers make more informed choices, pushing them towards healthier options while shopping. Despite valid criticisms regarding its limitations with minimally processed items like olive oil and its potential for manipulation, it remains a powerful public health instrument that encourages food manufacturers to improve their product formulations. Understanding how the score is calculated empowers consumers to use it effectively, weighing its guidance alongside their general dietary knowledge. For more scientific detail, the International Agency for Research on Cancer provides evidence summaries.
How to use Nutri-Score effectively
When using Nutri-Score, it's vital to compare like with like. Don't use the score to compare a soft drink with a salad dressing, for example, but to choose between two different breakfast cereals or two brands of biscuits. A lower score (towards A) indicates a better choice within that specific product category.
Looking ahead
The Nutri-Score algorithm is not static; it is updated periodically to incorporate new scientific knowledge and adapt to dietary guidelines. An updated version was proposed in 2023 and is being rolled out in participating countries from 2025. This continuous evolution is a sign of the system's commitment to providing the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional guidance possible.
