What is the nutrition rating E?

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

According to research presented by Santé publique France, an orange or red E rating on a food product signifies the lowest possible nutritional quality. Understanding what is the nutrition rating E is key to interpreting the Nutri-Score system and making more informed choices at the grocery store.

Quick Summary

The nutrition rating E is the lowest grade within the Nutri-Score system, used in several European countries. It denotes a food product with a less favourable nutritional balance, often due to high levels of sugar, saturated fat, and salt per 100g.

Key Points

Lowest Nutritional Quality: The nutrition rating E signifies the least nutritionally favourable composition, often high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and salt.
Traffic Light System: As part of the Nutri-Score, the E rating is shown in dark orange or red, indicating a product that should be consumed sparingly.
Comparison Tool: Its primary purpose is to help consumers compare the nutritional quality of similar food items at a glance, like different types of breakfast cereals.
Algorithm-Based: The score is calculated based on a per-100g/ml analysis that deducts points for positive nutrients (fibre, protein) from those assigned to negative ones (sugar, fat, salt).
Use in Moderation: An E rating is a cue for limited consumption, reminding consumers that the product's nutritional balance is poor, rather than a ban on the food itself.
Incomplete Picture: The Nutri-Score has limitations; it doesn't account for processing or additives, and is not a substitute for broader dietary guidelines emphasizing whole foods.

Demystifying the Nutrition Rating E

The Nutri-Score system, a voluntary front-of-pack food label used in several European countries, employs a five-colour, letter-graded scale to simplify nutritional information. A dark green 'A' signifies the highest nutritional quality, while a dark orange or red 'E' represents the lowest. The nutrition rating E indicates a product likely high in components to limit, such as energy, saturated fats, sugar, and salt. This visual tool helps consumers quickly compare the nutritional quality of similar products.

How the 'E' Rating is Determined: The Nutri-Score Algorithm

The 'E' rating results from a scientific algorithm that evaluates a product's nutritional profile per 100 grams or 100 milliliters. The algorithm considers components that increase the score (like energy, sugar, saturated fats, and salt) and those that decrease it (like proteins, fibre, and the percentage of fruits, vegetables, and pulses). Updates to the algorithm in 2022 introduced stricter criteria for products high in sugar and salt.

Understanding Nutri-Score E products and their interpretation

Certain foods frequently receive an 'E' rating, such as sugary snacks, some processed meats, butter, and sweetened drinks, due to their typical high levels of sugar, fat, or salt. An 'E' rating encourages moderation rather than strict avoidance. It is most useful for comparing items within the same category to select healthier options. While based on 100g/ml, consumers should also consider their actual portion size.

Comparison: Nutri-Score E vs Nutri-Score A


Attribute	Nutri-Score E (Lowest)	Nutri-Score A (Highest)
Energy Content	High	Low
Saturated Fat	High	Low
Sugar Content	High	Low
Salt (Sodium)	High	Low
Fibre	Low	High
Protein	Low	High (except for meat categories where protein can be neutral or negative)
Fruits/Vegetables/Nuts	Low	High
Example	Processed meat	Oily fish (uncured)
Consumption advice	Consume sparingly	Consume regularly

Criticisms and Limitations of Nutri-Score

Criticisms of the Nutri-Score highlight its potential for manipulation and limited scope, as it primarily focuses on nutrient balance per 100g/ml and doesn't fully account for processing or additives. Its most effective use is comparing similar products. The system is a supportive tool, not a definitive dietary plan.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices with a Nutrition Rating E

The nutrition rating E signals lower nutritional quality, often linked to higher energy, sugar, saturated fat, or salt. It aids consumers in comparing similar products and making informed decisions about items to consume less frequently. While helpful for moderation, it should complement broader nutritional advice for a balanced diet. Understanding the 'E' rating and the system's limitations helps consumers navigate food choices. Further details on the system can be found on {Link: Foodwatch EN https://www.foodwatch.org/en/campaigns/sugar-fat-and-salt/how-the-nutri-score-works}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutri-Score is a voluntary front-of-pack food label used in several European countries. It grades food products on a five-colour scale from dark green 'A' (most healthy) to dark orange/red 'E' (least healthy).

A product receives a Nutri-Score E when its nutritional composition, calculated per 100g or 100ml, is dominated by high levels of negative nutrients such as sugar, saturated fat, and salt, outweighing any positive nutrients like fibre or protein.

An E rating does not mean a food is inherently 'unhealthy' or should never be eaten, but rather that it has a lower nutritional quality compared to other similar products. It indicates that the food should be consumed sparingly.

Foods often rated E include sugary snacks, some processed meats and cheeses, butter and certain oils, and sweetened beverages that are high in sugar and/or saturated fat.

Use the E rating to compare products within the same category to identify healthier options. It's a quick guide to help you choose products with a better nutritional balance for more regular consumption, while reserving E-rated items for occasional treats in small portions.

No, Nutri-Score primarily focuses on the balance of energy, sugar, saturated fat, salt, fibre, protein, and fruit/vegetable content. It doesn't account for the degree of processing, additives, or specific dietary needs.

No, Nutri-Score is a voluntary labelling system that manufacturers can choose to adopt.