Understanding the Nutri-Score System
The Nutri-Score is a simplified, five-level colour-coded nutritional label designed to help consumers quickly assess the nutritional quality of a food product. Developed by independent French scientists, the system is based on an algorithm that assigns points for nutrients to limit and nutrients to favour. This calculation is based on 100g or 100ml of a product, allowing for consistent comparison between similar items.
The Calculation Explained
The algorithm works by balancing positive and negative nutritional elements to produce a single, overall score.
Negative Points (nutrients to limit):
- Energy (calories)
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sugar
- Salt (sodium)
Positive Points (nutrients to favour):
- Protein
- Fibre
- Percentage of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
The total score is then converted into a colour and letter grade, from A (dark green, best nutritional quality) to E (dark orange, poorest nutritional quality). This holistic score is a key differentiator from other labelling systems.
The UK's Current Stance on Nutri-Score
Despite its foundation in a UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) nutrient profiling system, Nutri-Score is not currently mandatory or officially endorsed by the UK government. The UK operates a different voluntary front-of-pack (FOP) system, known as the Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) label. However, as the Nutri-Score is recommended by the governments of several European countries (including France, Germany, and Spain), some international brands may choose to display it on products sold in the UK.
Nutri-Score vs. UK Traffic Light System: A Comparison
| Feature | Nutri-Score | UK Traffic Light System |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Combines positive and negative nutrients into one final score. | Rates individual nutrients (fat, saturates, sugars, salt) separately. |
| Visuals | A single colour and letter grade (A-E). | Multiple colour dots (green, amber, red) for different nutrients. |
| Comparison | Enables a quick, 'at a glance' comparison between similar products. | Requires comparing multiple colour indicators to make a judgement. |
| Information | Provides a holistic assessment of a product's nutritional quality. | Highlights high, medium, or low levels of specific nutrients. |
| Motivation for Reformulation | Strong incentive for manufacturers to improve overall formulation to gain a better grade. | Focuses on reducing negative components to improve the red/amber ratings. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nutri-Score for UK Consumers
Potential Benefits
- Simplicity and Clarity: The single letter and colour grade simplifies complex nutritional data, making quick comparisons easier for shoppers.
- Promotes Healthier Choices: Research indicates Nutri-Score is effective at influencing consumers to make healthier purchasing decisions, even among lower-income households.
- Drives Reformulation: It incentivises food manufacturers to improve the nutritional composition of their products to achieve a better score.
- Reduces Portion Sizes: Some evidence suggests it can encourage consumers to eat smaller portions of less healthy items.
Potential Drawbacks
- Oversimplification: Some foods that are healthy in moderation, such as olive oil or certain cheeses, may receive poor scores due to high fat content, despite being part of a balanced diet.
- Doesn't Consider All Factors: The system does not account for the degree of food processing (ultra-processed vs. whole foods) or the presence of beneficial micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.
- Limited Context: The Nutri-Score is designed for comparing products within the same category, not different ones (e.g., comparing one breakfast cereal to another, not a cereal to a cheese).
- Voluntary Application: As it is a voluntary scheme in the UK (and the EU), not all products will display the label, creating an inconsistent shopping experience.
What Nutri-Score Means for UK Shoppers
For most UK consumers, the existing traffic light system remains the most common FOP label. However, the international nature of the food market means shoppers may encounter Nutri-Score on imported products. Awareness of both systems is beneficial. The Nutri-Score can offer a quick, holistic view of a product's overall nutritional quality relative to similar items, while the traffic light system provides more granular detail on key nutrients like fat, sugar, and salt. Understanding both helps shoppers make informed decisions, especially when comparing products from different brands and origins.
Conclusion: The Future of Food Labelling in the UK
The Nutri-Score is a scientifically validated, voluntary labelling system with proven benefits in helping consumers make healthier choices, yet it is not officially adopted in the UK. The debate between Nutri-Score and the established traffic light system highlights different philosophies in communicating nutritional information—one favouring a single, composite score, the other a nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown. While the UK currently maintains its voluntary traffic light system, the potential for a single, harmonised FOP label across Europe means the discussion around Nutri-Score's adoption, or a similar approach, will continue to evolve. Ultimately, an educated consumer who understands both systems is best equipped to navigate the options available on supermarket shelves. For official guidance on UK nutrition labelling, consult the Food Standards Agency's resources. [https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/nutrition-labelling]
Can food manufacturers choose which system to use?
Yes, as both Nutri-Score (when applied to UK products) and the UK traffic light system are voluntary, manufacturers can choose whether or not to display them. If they opt for Nutri-Score, they must use it consistently across their brands.
Is the Nutri-Score system perfect?
No labelling system is perfect, and Nutri-Score has its limitations. Critics point to how it can penalise some healthy foods like olive oil and doesn't consider the degree of processing, though it effectively guides consumers toward more nutritious options within a product category.
