What is the nutrition score logo and how does it work?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, front-of-pack labeling systems are an effective tool to help combat rising rates of obesity and chronic diet-related diseases. The most widely recognized nutrition score logo in Europe is the Nutri-Score, which simplifies complex nutritional information into an easy-to-read, color-coded label.

Quick Summary

The Nutri-Score is a voluntary, color-coded food label used primarily in Europe that rates a product's nutritional quality from A (healthiest) to E (least healthy). It is calculated based on a scientific algorithm that weighs favorable nutrients like fiber and protein against less favorable ones such as sugar, saturated fat, and salt.

Key Points

Origin: The Nutri-Score logo originated in France in 2017 and is used as a voluntary front-of-pack labeling system in several European countries.
Visuals: It uses a five-level, color-coded scale from dark green (A) to dark orange (E) to indicate a product's overall nutritional quality.
Calculation: The score is based on an algorithm that balances favorable nutrients (fiber, protein, fruit, veg) against unfavorable ones (calories, sugar, saturated fat, salt).
Purpose: The main goal is to simplify nutritional information, making it easier for consumers to compare similar products quickly and make healthier purchasing decisions.
Limitations: The system does not account for the degree of food processing, portion size, or all micronutrients, and is not designed to compare different food categories.
Impact: Evidence suggests the Nutri-Score helps consumers make healthier choices and incentivizes manufacturers to improve their product recipes.

Understanding the Nutri-Score System

The Nutri-Score is a voluntary front-of-pack (FOP) nutritional labeling system that originated in France in 2017. Developed by independent scientists, it provides consumers with an immediate visual summary of a product's overall nutritional quality. The system uses a five-level, color-coded scale with corresponding letters, from dark green 'A' for the highest nutritional quality to dark orange 'E' for the lowest. Its primary goal is to help shoppers compare the nutritional profiles of similar products at a glance, making healthier choices easier, especially with processed foods.

How the Nutri-Score is Calculated

The Nutri-Score is based on a transparent, scientifically-derived algorithm that assesses the nutritional value of 100 grams or 100 milliliters of a food product. The calculation balances nutrients to limit (unfavorable) against those to promote (favorable).

Points are given for unfavorable nutrients:

Energy (calories)
Saturated fatty acids
Sugars
Sodium (salt)

Points are awarded for favorable nutrients and ingredients:

Fiber
Protein
The proportion of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
Select oils (rapeseed, walnut, and olive oil)

The final score is the sum of the negative points minus the sum of the positive points. This total score then corresponds to one of the five color-coded letter categories. The system aims to encourage manufacturers to reformulate products for better scores. The algorithm was updated in 2023 for improved accuracy.

Benefits and Criticisms of the Nutri-Score

The Nutri-Score has benefits and faces criticism, particularly from some food industry sectors.

Advantages of the Nutri-Score

Simplified Decision-Making: Helps shoppers compare similar products quickly.
Improved Consumer Choice: Guides consumers towards healthier purchases.
Product Reformulation Incentive: Motivates manufacturers to improve recipes.
Easy Comparison: Standardized 100g/100ml basis allows objective comparisons.

Disadvantages and Criticisms

Inconsistent Ratings: Can produce counterintuitive results, like some soft drinks scoring better than olive oil.
Omits Important Factors: Doesn't account for processing level, additives, or micronutrients.
Not a Universal Tool: Best for comparing similar products, not different food types.
Voluntary Implementation: Allows some manufacturers to opt-out.

Comparison of Nutrition Labeling Systems


Feature	Nutri-Score (Europe)	Traffic Light Label (UK)	FDA Nutrition Facts Label (US)
Design	Color-coded (Green A to Orange E) with a single overall score.	Color-coded (Red, Amber, Green) for multiple nutrients individually.	Standardized black and white table listing nutrients and daily values.
Calculation	Comprehensive algorithm balancing positive and negative components per 100g/ml.	Based on levels of fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt per 100g.	Lists nutrients per serving size and percentage of daily value.
Key Benefit	Quick, at-a-glance comparison of overall nutritional quality within a category.	Clear visual alert for specific nutrients (high fat, high sugar).	Detailed breakdown of specific nutrient quantities and daily allowances.
Primary Goal	To simplify health comparisons and encourage product improvement.	To highlight specific high-risk nutrients for consumers.	To provide comprehensive, standardized nutritional information.
Basis for Comparison	Per 100g or 100ml for easy product-to-product comparison.	Per serving and per 100g/ml.	Per standardized serving size.

How to Use a Nutrition Score Logo Effectively

The Nutri-Score is a tool for comparing products within the same category. A green 'A' is better than a red 'E' for similar items. However, it doesn't provide context on a food's role in a balanced diet. Foods like cheese might have a low score but can be eaten in moderation. Unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, essential for a healthy diet, don't carry a score. Using Nutri-Score with other nutritional information offers the most complete picture. The algorithm continues to evolve based on scientific research.

Conclusion

The nutrition score logo, particularly the Nutri-Score, is a public health initiative to help consumers make healthier food choices. Despite criticisms, it simplifies nutritional information and is valuable for comparing similar products. By balancing nutritional components, it encourages manufacturers to improve products. The Nutri-Score is a prominent example of how accessible labeling can influence consumer behavior and improve public health.

Nutri-Score - Santé publique France

Frequently Asked Questions

A dark green 'A' on a Nutri-Score logo indicates the highest nutritional quality among similar food products, signifying it is a more beneficial choice.

No, the Nutri-Score is a voluntary labeling system in the countries that have adopted it. There is currently no mandatory, EU-wide front-of-pack labeling system.

The Nutri-Score is calculated per 100g, and while olive oil contains healthy fats, its high calorie and fat content relative to other food groups results in a 'C' rating. This score reflects that it should be consumed in moderation, not that it is unhealthy.

The standard Nutri-Score algorithm does not account for the degree of food processing or the presence of additives. However, research into adding ultra-processing information is ongoing.

The Nutri-Score is primarily for comparing products within the same food category. It is not meant for comparing different food types, such as a frozen pizza and a yogurt, as their nutritional compositions are fundamentally different.

Manufacturers can improve a product's score by reformulating the recipe to reduce unfavorable elements like sugar, salt, and saturated fat, or by increasing favorable components such as fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

As of late 2024, the Nutri-Score is officially adopted in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland, among others.