What is the Nutri-Score?
The Nutri-Score is a simplified nutritional labelling system displayed prominently on the front of food packaging in participating European countries. It aims to provide consumers with an easy-to-understand visual tool to assess the nutritional quality of a product, particularly processed ones, without needing to decipher the detailed nutritional table on the back of the package. The system uses a five-colour scale, from dark green (best) to dark orange (worst), associated with letters from A to E. This voluntary public health measure is designed to combat diet-related illnesses by guiding consumers toward more nutritious food choices. It was first adopted in France in 2017 and is now recommended by several other countries, including Germany, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The Nutri-Score is based on a scientific algorithm that weighs both positive and negative nutritional components of a food product. The label simplifies complex nutritional information into an intuitive format, which has been shown to be effective, even for consumers with low nutritional literacy.
How the Nutri-Score algorithm works
The Nutri-Score calculation is based on the nutrient content per 100g or 100ml of a food product, standardising the basis for comparison. A product's final score is determined by subtracting 'positive' points from 'negative' points. The lower the final score, the higher the nutritional quality.
Negative (N) and Positive (P) Components
The algorithm assigns points based on two categories of nutrients:
- Unfavorable Nutrients (Negative Points): These are components whose consumption should be limited. Points are assigned for high content of energy (calories), sugars, saturated fatty acids, and sodium (salt). In the updated 2023 algorithm, certain beverages containing non-nutritive sweeteners are also penalised.
- Favorable Nutrients (Positive Points): These are beneficial elements that contribute positively to a food's score. These include the proportion of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts, along with the content of protein and dietary fibre.
The Calculation and Final Score
The final Nutri-Score is calculated by totaling the points for unfavourable components and subtracting the total points for favourable components. For example, a high-fibre wholemeal bread would gain positive points for fibre, offsetting some of the negative points from its energy content, resulting in a favourable score like 'A'. Conversely, a sugary breakfast cereal would rack up negative points, leading to a less favourable score like 'D' or 'E'. The final numerical score is then converted into one of the five colour-coded letters. The algorithm for beverages differs slightly, specifically accounting for sugar levels and sweeteners more stringently. The score allows for easy comparison between similar food items, such as different brands of breakfast cereals or yoghurts.
Using the Nutri-Score to make healthier choices
The Nutri-Score is a tool to be used judiciously, particularly when comparing products within the same food category. Here's how consumers can make the most of it:
- Compare Like-for-Like: The system's primary function is to compare similar items. Use it to choose between different types of ready meals, biscuits, or yoghurts, not to compare a bottle of olive oil with a can of soda.
- Consider the Full Picture: A good Nutri-Score does not mean a product can be consumed without restraint, nor does a poor score mean it must be entirely avoided. A red 'E' simply indicates it should be consumed in smaller quantities or less frequently.
- Look for Green: When shopping, aim to populate your trolley with more products rated 'A' and 'B'. This helps steer your overall diet towards more nutritionally beneficial foods.
- Seek Improvement from Manufacturers: The Nutri-Score incentivises food manufacturers to improve their product recipes to achieve a better score, which can drive positive changes in the food supply.
Comparison: Nutri-Score vs. Other Labelling Systems
| Feature | Nutri-Score | UK Traffic Light System | Health Star Rating (Australia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating Format | Five-colour graded indicator (A-E) | Red/amber/green for individual nutrients | 0.5 to 5 stars numerical rating |
| Assessment Basis | Overall nutritional quality per 100g/ml | Content of fat, saturates, sugars, salt | Combination of positive and negative nutrients |
| Best For... | Quick comparison within the same food category | Spotting high levels of specific nutrients | Judging overall healthiness based on a single score |
| Key Limitation | Not for cross-category comparison; controversial in some countries | No aggregated score for overall quality | Visually less intuitive than color-coding |
The future of the European Nutri-Score
The Nutri-Score is not without its controversies and limitations. Some critics argue it may unfairly penalise certain traditional, healthy products while favouring ultra-processed ones that are fortified to meet algorithm requirements. However, the independent scientific committee continuously revises the algorithm to address such issues, as seen in the 2023 update, which improved the scoring of healthy fats, whole grains, and red meat. While its implementation is currently voluntary in the EU, there is a push from consumer groups for a mandatory, harmonised system across the continent to prevent confusion and streamline the internal market. The European Commission is considering different options for a mandatory front-of-pack labelling system, with Nutri-Score as a strong candidate due to its proven effectiveness in guiding consumer choices. Its future will depend on ongoing scientific scrutiny, consumer acceptance, and political will within the EU. The label is a dynamic public health tool designed to be regularly fine-tuned based on scientific evidence to better guide consumers towards healthier food options. For more information on the updates and ongoing scientific rationale, consumers can consult the official documents from the French public health body, Santé publique France.
Conclusion
The European Nutri-Score offers a straightforward, color-coded labelling system designed to help consumers assess the nutritional quality of food products at a glance. By weighing both beneficial and unfavorable nutrients, its algorithm assigns a letter grade from A to E, enabling easy comparison within food categories. While it is a voluntary system currently adopted in several EU countries, its widespread support among consumers and public health bodies underscores its potential as a powerful tool for promoting healthier diets. The label’s algorithm is subject to regular scientific review and updates to ensure its accuracy and relevance. By understanding how to use the Nutri-Score effectively, consumers can make more informed purchasing decisions and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. The ongoing discussions about its potential harmonisation across the EU highlight its importance in the future of food labelling and public health policy.
