What is the update of Nutri-Score algorithm?

The Nutri-Score algorithm, a prominent front-of-package food labeling system, was officially updated in 2023, with implementation beginning in late 2023 and early 2024 across participating European countries. These revisions were based on scientific evidence to more accurately reflect dietary guidelines and provide clearer nutritional guidance to consumers. The changes directly affect the scores of various food and beverage categories, aiming for a more precise distinction between healthier and unhealthier options.

Quick Summary

The Nutri-Score algorithm received a significant update, shifting calculation methods for beverages, red meat, and fats. It introduces stricter criteria for high-sugar and high-salt items while re-evaluating positive components like fiber and protein. These modifications aim to improve the system's accuracy and alignment with modern public health recommendations. The new rules began rolling out from December 2023, with transitional periods for existing products.

Key Points

• Stricter Scoring: The updated Nutri-Score algorithm applies harsher penalties for foods and drinks with high sugar and salt content.

• Beverage Reclassification: Most beverages, including sweetened milk and plant-based drinks, are now assessed under a stricter beverage-specific algorithm, ensuring only water receives an 'A' score.

• New Red Meat Category: The algorithm distinguishes red meat from poultry and other protein sources, leading to a less favorable score for many processed red meat products.

• Improved Protein and Fibre Evaluation: The scoring for favorable components like protein and fibre has been adjusted, better rewarding whole-grain products and other fibre-rich foods.

• New Rules for Sweeteners: The use of non-nutritive sweeteners in beverages is now penalized with negative points to discourage their consumption.

• Transitional Period: A two-year transition period is in place for existing products labeled under the old algorithm, extending until the end of 2025.

Understanding the Nutri-Score Algorithm Update

Since its creation, the Nutri-Score has been a dynamic tool, subject to continuous refinement by independent European scientists to reflect the latest dietary knowledge. The 2023 revisions represent the most substantial update yet, fundamentally altering how scores are calculated for specific food groups. This evolution was deemed necessary to correct previous anomalies and strengthen the label's effectiveness in guiding consumer choices toward healthier diets. A steering committee of member countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, adopted these changes in 2022 and 2023 for solid foods and beverages, respectively.

Key Changes for Solid Foods

Several crucial modifications were implemented to improve the classification of solid foods, particularly regarding processed items, red meat, and specific oils. The new algorithm applies stricter scoring to foods high in sugar and salt, which often received disproportionately high scores under the previous system.

• Sugar and Salt: The thresholds for allocating negative points for sugar and salt content were lowered, meaning more products will now incur higher penalties for excessive amounts of these ingredients. The maximum penalty points were also increased for these components.
• Protein and Fibre: The new calculation provides better recognition for high-fibre whole-grain foods compared to refined grains. The threshold for receiving positive points for protein and fibre content was also adjusted upwards.
• Fish and Red Meat: The update introduced a new, separate category for red meat, allowing for a clearer differentiation from poultry and fish. This change, based on current health guidelines, prevents certain processed red meat products from receiving a misleadingly favorable score. Additionally, the classification of fatty fish has been improved.
• Fats and Oils: The category for fats, oils, and seeds was revised. Vegetable oils with lower saturated fat levels, such as olive and rapeseed oil, are now classified more favorably, often improving their scores. Notably, unprocessed nuts and seeds are now grouped with fats and oils instead of general foods.

Significant Revisions for Beverages

The most dramatic changes in the Nutri-Score algorithm focused on beverages, addressing inconsistencies and concerns surrounding sugar content and sweeteners. The aim was to ensure that only water receives the top 'A' score, while other beverages are classified more appropriately.

• Sweetened Beverages: For beverages, lower sugar thresholds mean products with even moderate sugar content will be penalized more heavily. This is designed to discourage high sugar intake from drinks. Furthermore, the algorithm now assigns negative points for non-nutritive sweeteners, preventing artificially sweetened options from receiving higher scores and encouraging water consumption.
• Reclassification of Milk: Milk, milk-based drinks (like drinking yogurts), and plant-based drinks have been moved into the beverage category, regardless of milk content. This change ensures they are assessed against beverage-specific criteria, providing a more accurate score reflective of their sugar and saturated fat content.
• Preparation Method: For products like cocoa powder or instant coffee, the Nutri-Score is now calculated for the final product after preparation (i.e., diluted with milk or water), rather than in their concentrated form. This provides a more realistic nutritional assessment for consumers.

Comparing the Old and New Nutri-Score Algorithms

Feature	Old Algorithm (2017)	New Algorithm (2023/2024)	Impact on Scoring
Sugar/Salt Thresholds	More lenient thresholds for negative points.	Stricter, lower thresholds for negative points.	Poorer scores for high-sugar and high-salt products.
Protein/Fibre Points	Fewer points for higher fibre content.	Increased maximum points for protein and fibre.	Better scores for high-fibre, high-protein options.
Beverage Scoring	Grouped some items with general foods; no penalty for sweeteners.	Separate category; penalizes sweeteners; only water gets 'A'.	Significantly lower scores for sweetened drinks; higher scores for water.
Milk Products	Assessed under the 'general food' category.	Moved into the stricter 'beverage' category.	Potential for a lower score due to sugar and saturated fat re-evaluation.
Nuts & Oils	Nuts and seeds grouped with general food and positive components.	Nuts and seeds re-categorized with fats and oils.	Better discrimination between natural nuts and unhealthy options; more accurate oil scores.
Red Meat	Not differentiated from poultry.	New, separate category for products with >= 20% red meat.	Generally lower scores for red meat and related products.
Prepared Foods	Nutri-Score based on 'as sold' state for some items.	Calculated based on 'as consumed' state (e.g., instant products).	More accurate scores for products needing dilution or preparation.

Conclusion

The 2023 update of the Nutri-Score algorithm is a significant step towards a more robust and scientifically sound front-of-package labeling system. By introducing stricter criteria for nutrients to limit and refining categories like beverages and meat, the updated algorithm addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor. While food manufacturers have a transition period until the end of 2025 to adapt products already on the market, new products must comply immediately. This ensures consumers are provided with more accurate, evidence-based nutritional information, empowering them to make better-informed food choices in line with public health goals. The voluntary nature of the label means its ultimate success depends on widespread adoption by manufacturers, but its strengthened methodology is a clear win for consumer health transparency.

For more detailed information on the official guidelines, consult the official documentation provided by Santé publique France.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Nutri-Score algorithm update take effect?

The new algorithm became effective for new products on the market starting December 31, 2023. A two-year transition period is available for existing products already labeled with the old algorithm, lasting until the end of 2025.

Why was the Nutri-Score algorithm revised?

The algorithm was revised to better align with contemporary scientific findings and national dietary guidelines. The goal is to provide a more accurate and effective way of distinguishing healthier foods from less healthy options.

How will the changes affect the Nutri-Score for breakfast cereals?

Cereals, particularly those high in sugar, are likely to receive a less favorable score. The updated algorithm places more weight on sugar content, meaning sugary cereals will be penalized more heavily than before.

What is the impact on milk and milk-based drinks?

Milk, drinking yogurts, and plant-based drinks are now included in the stricter beverage category. This will likely result in lower scores for sweetened versions compared to their classification under the previous 'general food' rules.

Are sweetened beverages now penalized more heavily?

Yes, both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages face stricter evaluation. Lower sugar thresholds and new negative points for sweeteners ensure these products receive less favorable scores, with water being the only 'A' rated drink.

How does the update affect the scoring of olive oil?

Olive oil and other healthy vegetable oils, like rapeseed and walnut oil, are generally classified more favorably under the new algorithm. They can now achieve a 'B' rating, improving their score by one class on average.

Will products appear with different Nutri-Scores during the transition period?

Yes, due to the two-year transition period, consumers may see the same products on the market with different Nutri-Scores depending on the manufacturing date and algorithm used. The older stock will carry the score calculated under the old rules.