What is the German Nutri-Score? A Guide to Food Labeling

November 17, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, over half of German consumers favored the Nutri-Score as an effective food labeling model. So, what is the German Nutri-Score, and how can this voluntary front-of-pack label help you navigate the aisles and make more informed purchasing decisions?

Quick Summary

The German Nutri-Score is a voluntary front-of-pack label that provides a simple summary of a food's nutritional quality using a color-coded letter scale from A to E, helping consumers compare products.

Key Points

Voluntary Label: Introduced in Germany in 2020, the Nutri-Score is an optional, front-of-pack food label for manufacturers.
Color-Coded Scale: The system uses a 5-color, 5-letter scale from A (dark green, best) to E (dark red, worst) to indicate a product's nutritional quality.
Scientific Algorithm: The score is calculated by balancing favorable nutrients (fiber, protein, fruit, vegetables) against unfavorable ones (calories, sugar, saturated fat, sodium) per 100g/ml.
Easy Comparison: It simplifies the comparison of similar products, allowing consumers to make quick nutritional assessments at a glance.
2023 Update: The algorithm was revised in 2023 and applied in Germany in 2024 to provide more accurate classifications, especially for certain oils, fish, and dairy products.
Encourages Better Products: The system motivates food companies to improve the nutritional composition of their recipes to achieve a better score.

Origins and Adoption in Germany

The Nutri-Score system originated in France and was adopted voluntarily in Germany in 2020 after consumer research indicated a preference for its clear, front-of-pack summary of nutritional quality over mandatory back-of-pack labels. The system was updated in 2023, with the revised algorithm implemented in Germany in January 2024 to better align with current dietary guidelines.

How the Nutri-Score Algorithm Works

The Nutri-Score uses a scientific algorithm to calculate a score based on 'unfavorable' and 'favorable' nutritional components per 100g or 100ml. This score translates into a letter (A-E) and color (dark green to dark red), where a lower score indicates better nutritional quality.

Negative Points (Nutrients to Limit)

Negative points are assigned for components like energy density, saturated fatty acids, sugar, and sodium.

Positive Points (Nutrients to Favor)

Positive points, which are deducted from the negative score, are given for protein, fiber, and the percentage of fruit, vegetables, pulses, and nuts. The 2023 update refined the calculation for these beneficial ingredients.

The Scoring Scale

The Nutri-Score is displayed on a five-tier color and letter scale on the front of packaging. The scale ranges from Dark Green A (best nutritional quality) to Dark Red E (least favorable nutritional quality).

Benefits and Limitations of the German Nutri-Score

Benefits

Benefits include facilitating quick comparison between similar products, incentivizing manufacturers to improve product nutrition, and encouraging healthier consumer choices.

Limitations and Criticisms

Limitations include its voluntary use in Germany, potential oversimplification of complex nutritional information, and the fact it doesn't account for processing, additives, or micronutrients. Past inconsistencies in scoring have also occurred.

Nutri-Score vs. Other Labeling Systems

Different labeling systems exist to provide nutritional information in various formats. A comparison can be helpful to understand the Nutri-Score's approach compared to others.

The Evolution of the Nutri-Score Algorithm

The Nutri-Score algorithm is regularly reviewed and updated by independent scientists to reflect current nutritional guidelines. The 2023 update, applied in Germany in 2024, led to revised classifications for certain foods, such as olive oil and wholemeal bread, and stricter ratings for sugary products and some red meats.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Choices with the Nutri-Score

The German Nutri-Score provides a simple tool for consumers to assess the nutritional profile of food items and compare similar products. Despite certain limitations, its visual format supports more informed decisions alongside complete nutrition data. The voluntary adoption by many companies underscores a demand for clear nutritional guidance. {Link: BMLEH https://www.bmleh.de/EN/topics/food-and-nutrition/food-labelling/extended-nutritional-labelling-system-nutri-score.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Nutri-Score is a voluntary labeling system for manufacturers in Germany, meaning they can choose whether or not to display it on their products.

The Nutri-Score is calculated based on nutritional information per 100g or 100ml. It offsets negative points for high energy, saturated fats, sugar, and sodium against positive points for protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

A dark green 'A' indicates that the product has the most favorable nutritional composition compared to other similar products within the same category.

No, the Nutri-Score is designed for comparing products within the same food category to be effective. Comparing a yogurt and a pizza, for example, is not its intended use.

Some healthy foods like olive oil or nuts can receive a less favorable score because the algorithm focuses on fat content per 100g. While the fat is healthy, its high concentration can negatively impact the score, a point of criticism for the system.

The revised Nutri-Score algorithm (updated in 2023) came into effect in Germany on January 1, 2024, to better reflect current nutritional science and dietary guidelines.

The Nutri-Score does not assess additives, pesticides, or the degree of food processing. Its evaluation is strictly based on the specific nutritional composition and energy content per 100g/ml.