Understanding the Nutri-Score System
The Nutri-Score is a nutritional labeling system that has been voluntarily available in Germany since its official introduction in the fall of 2020. The core purpose of the system is to provide consumers with a simplified, at-a-glance assessment of a processed food product's overall nutritional quality. Developed by independent scientists, the Nutri-Score is based on a transparent algorithm that assigns a product a score based on a balance of favorable and unfavorable nutrients. This score is then represented visually on the front of food packaging using a five-level color and letter scale, making comparison easier for shoppers.
How the Nutri-Score Is Calculated
The calculation for the Nutri-Score involves assigning positive and negative points based on a product's nutritional composition per 100 grams or 100 milliliters. The algorithm weighs nutrients that should be limited against those that should be favored for a balanced diet. This scientific approach helps prevent 'cherry-picking,' where a manufacturer only labels certain products, and ensures consistency across registered brands.
Unfavorable Nutrients (Negative Points):
- Energy content (calories)
- Sugars
- Saturated fatty acids
- Sodium (salt)
Favorable Nutrients (Positive Points):
- Protein
- Dietary fiber
- Proportion of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts
The total score is a result of subtracting the favorable points from the unfavorable points. The lower the total score, the better the nutritional quality of the product. The resulting numerical score is then translated into one of the five color-coded letter categories.
The Color and Letter Scale
- Dark Green 'A': Represents the best nutritional quality. These are products with a favorable nutrient balance.
- Light Green 'B': Products with a good nutritional profile, but not as favorable as an 'A'.
- Yellow 'C': Represents a neutral or mid-range nutritional quality.
- Orange 'D': Indicates a less favorable nutritional composition, with higher levels of unfavorable nutrients.
- Red 'E': Represents the lowest nutritional quality, typically high in sugar, fat, or salt. These should be consumed in moderation.
Comparison: Nutri-Score vs. Traditional Nutritional Information
The Nutri-Score was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional, back-of-pack nutritional tables, which are often difficult and time-consuming for consumers to interpret and compare.
| Feature | Nutri-Score | Traditional Nutritional Table |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Prominently on the front of the pack. | Typically on the back or side of the packaging in small print. |
| Legibility | Easy to read and interpret at a glance due to its color and letter system. | Can be difficult to read and understand without specific nutritional knowledge. |
| Function | Provides an overall summary score of nutritional quality. | Lists specific nutrient values (calories, fat, sugar, protein, etc.). |
| Comparison | Facilitates quick and easy comparison between similar products on the same shelf. | Requires careful study and comparison of multiple numerical values, making it difficult to compare products quickly. |
| Incentive for Manufacturers | Encourages brands to reformulate products to achieve a better score. | Provides information but does not actively incentivize product reformulation. |
Implementation and Impact in Germany
Since its introduction, many food companies in Germany have voluntarily registered to use the Nutri-Score. A key rule is that if a company registers, it must use the label for all products under that registered brand, preventing selective labeling of only the 'healthiest' items. This voluntary adoption has been driven by strong consumer support, with studies showing high approval ratings among the German population. The system is designed to complement, not replace, the mandatory nutritional tables.
In recent years, the Nutri-Score algorithm has been updated to reflect the latest scientific findings. These updates, implemented in Germany and other participating countries from January 2024, aim to improve the system's ability to differentiate between healthier and less healthy food options, especially within specific categories like red meat, fish, and beverages. The improvements also address concerns related to the categorization of fats, wholemeal products, and milk.
Limitations and Further Considerations
While the Nutri-Score offers a simple tool for quick comparisons, it's essential to understand its limitations. The system provides an assessment of a product's nutritional quality based on a 100g/100ml basis but does not offer information on portion sizes, additives, or the degree of processing. For this reason, Nutri-Score should be used as one tool among many when making informed dietary decisions, alongside traditional nutritional information and broader dietary guidelines from reputable organizations like the German Nutrition Society (DGE). Furthermore, a good Nutri-Score does not mean a product is inherently 'healthy' and can be consumed without limit, and a poor score does not mean a food is forbidden. It simply provides relative guidance within similar product categories.
Conclusion
In Germany, the Nutri-Score serves as a transparent and easy-to-understand nutritional labeling tool designed to empower consumers. By using a five-level color and letter scale, it provides a quick summary of a processed food's nutritional quality. While it is a voluntary system for food manufacturers, its widespread adoption and high consumer approval rate demonstrate its utility in helping shoppers make more informed decisions at the point of purchase. By considering both the Nutri-Score and other nutritional information, German consumers can better navigate the supermarket aisles and contribute to a healthier overall diet.
Resources
- BMLEH - Food labelling - Nutri-Score: Official information from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Comparison Table
| Attribute | Nutri-Score (in Germany) | Keyhole Model (Nordic Countries) |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals | Five-color scale (A-E) from dark green to red. | Green or black and white keyhole symbol. |
| Rating | Evaluates overall nutritional composition (good vs. bad nutrients). | Simple pass/fail system based on predefined health criteria. |
| Goal | Helps consumers compare products within the same category to choose the better option. | Identifies healthier food options within specific food groups. |
| Coverage | Wide range of processed foods and beverages. | Used primarily on staple foods like meat, fish, cereals, bread. |
| Adoption in Germany | Voluntary for manufacturers. | Not used officially. |
| Flexibility | Dynamic calculation based on a detailed algorithm. | Static criteria for food categories. |
A note on the updated algorithm
As of January 2024, an updated Nutri-Score algorithm is in effect in Germany and other participating countries. This updated version improves the categorization of certain food groups, including fatty fish, red meat, and specific oils, to better reflect current nutritional recommendations. Manufacturers that were using the previous algorithm are granted a transition period to update their product labeling.
