What is the French Nutri-Score based on? A breakdown of the calculation and algorithm

According to a 2021 follow-up report, the Nutri-Score has been shown to effectively guide consumer food choices in France and other European countries. The French Nutri-Score is based on a transparent, color-coded algorithm that calculates a product's overall nutritional quality by balancing both detrimental and beneficial nutritional components.

Quick Summary

The French Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack label that rates food products from A (healthier) to E (less healthy) using an algorithm that weighs specific nutrients per 100g or 100ml.

Key Points

• Positive vs. Negative Nutrients: The Nutri-Score algorithm balances negative points (for calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium) against positive points (for fiber, protein, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and certain oils). For more details, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

• Based on 100g/100ml: The score is always calculated based on a fixed amount of 100g or 100ml of the product, enabling easy comparison between similar products. For more details, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

• Color-Coded Scale: The final score is translated into a five-color, A-to-E letter scale, with dark green 'A' representing the highest nutritional quality and dark orange 'E' the lowest. For more details, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

• Special Category Rules: Certain food types, including beverages, cheese, fats/oils/nuts, and red meat, have adapted algorithms to provide a more representative score. For more details, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

• Algorithm Updates: The system is periodically updated to reflect current scientific dietary knowledge, such as the 2023 revision that improved distinctions for fibers, sugars, and various food groups. For more details, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

• Encourages Reformulation: By making nutritional quality visible, the Nutri-Score provides an incentive for manufacturers to improve the nutritional profile of their products to achieve a better score. For more details, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

The Nutri-Score: A Balancing Act of Nutrients

The Nutri-Score is a voluntary front-of-pack nutritional labeling system developed in France and recommended in several European countries. Its core purpose is to provide consumers with simplified, color-coded information on a food product's overall nutritional quality, making it easier to compare similar items and make more informed choices. The entire system is rooted in an algorithm that assigns and subtracts points based on a product's composition per 100 grams or 100 milliliters.

How the Nutri-Score Calculation Works

The scoring process is fundamentally a balancing act between "less favorable" and "favorable" nutritional components. The algorithm assigns points based on a product's composition per 100 grams or 100 milliliters. Points are given for elements that should be limited (negative points) and subtracted for those that should be encouraged (positive points). The final score places the product on a five-color scale, from dark green 'A' (best) to dark orange 'E' (worst). This encourages manufacturers to reformulate products to improve their score.

Steps for Calculating the Nutri-Score:

1. Gather Nutrient Data: Collect nutritional information per 100g or 100ml, including energy (kJ), sugar, saturated fats, sodium, protein, and fiber.
2. Calculate Negative Points (N): Assign points for energy density, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium content. Higher amounts result in more negative points.
3. Calculate Positive Points (P): Award points for protein, dietary fiber, and the percentage of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and certain vegetable oils.
4. Determine the Final Score: Subtract positive points (P) from negative points (N) (Nutri-Score = N - P). Specific rules may apply to certain food categories.
5. Assign the Letter Grade: Convert the total score into an A-E grade based on defined thresholds. Lower scores indicate better nutritional quality.

Special Rules for Specific Food Categories

Specific algorithms are used for categories like beverages, cheese, fats/oils/nuts, and red meat to provide a more representative score. More details can be found on {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

Components that Define a Nutri-Score

The Nutri-Score considers nutritional components like energy density, simple sugars, saturated fatty acids, and sodium as negative factors. Positive factors include fiber, protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils. For further details on these components, see {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

2023 Algorithm Updates

Updates in 2023 aimed to better align with nutritional guidelines, improving the scoring of fiber-rich products and adjusting the evaluation of beverages with sweeteners. For a comprehensive list of these updates, please consult {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

Conclusion

The French Nutri-Score uses a scientific algorithm to balance negative (energy, sugar, saturated fats, sodium) and positive (fiber, protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts) nutritional components. This results in a simple color-coded letter grade for consumer comparison. Regular updates, like those in 2023, ensure the system aligns with current science and dietary advice. More information on Nutri-Score's limitations, such as not accounting for processing degree or micronutrients, can be found on {Link: NCBI PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694186/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nutri-Score?

Nutri-Score is a voluntary, front-of-pack nutrition label that converts a product's nutritional value into a simple color and letter-coded score, ranging from dark green 'A' to dark orange 'E'.

Which nutrients give a product a bad Nutri-Score?

A product receives negative points, leading to a worse Nutri-Score, for higher levels of energy (calories), simple sugars, saturated fatty acids, and sodium (salt).

Which nutrients improve a product's Nutri-Score?

The Nutri-Score improves with higher levels of positive components, including dietary fiber, protein, and a higher percentage of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy vegetable oils like olive oil.

Does Nutri-Score consider the portion size?

No, the Nutri-Score is always calculated per 100 grams or 100 milliliters of the product, allowing for standardized comparisons, regardless of packaging or serving size.

Are all food products eligible for Nutri-Score?

No, some products like fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, flavorings, and sports nutrition are excluded from the Nutri-Score system. Different algorithms are also used for categories like beverages, cheese, and red meat.

Why did Nutri-Score receive algorithm updates in 2023?

The algorithm was updated in 2023 to better align with current dietary guidelines and address past criticisms, such as improving the scoring of fiber-rich products and adjusting the evaluation of beverages with sweeteners.

What are some criticisms or limitations of the Nutri-Score?

Critics point out that the system does not account for a product's degree of processing, the presence of additives, or specific micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. This can sometimes lead to less healthy processed foods receiving surprisingly good scores.