Navigating the complex landscape of nutrition scoring
For years, consumers had to decipher complex nutritional tables on the back of food packages to understand what they were eating. The rise of chronic diseases linked to poor diet has led to a proliferation of simpler, front-of-pack nutrition scoring systems. These labels, developed by governments and health organizations, aim to simplify the purchasing process, but their variety and differing methodologies can cause confusion. No single system is without flaws, and the "best" option often depends on the user's specific health goals and interpretation.
Comparing popular nutrition scoring systems
This section delves into three of the most prominent nutrition scoring systems, examining their calculation methods and impact.
Nutri-Score
Originating in France, Nutri-Score uses a five-level color-coded scale from dark green 'A' (most nutritious) to dark orange 'E' (least nutritious). It calculates a product's score based on the balance of positive nutrients (fiber, protein, fruit, vegetables) and negative nutrients (energy, saturated fats, sugar, sodium) per 100g or 100ml. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown Nutri-Score's effectiveness in helping consumers compare products and choose healthier options, leading to its adoption in several European countries. Updates to its algorithm have made it stricter and more aligned with current dietary recommendations, though it has faced criticism for not considering factors like ultra-processing.
Health Star Rating (HSR)
An initiative from the Australian and New Zealand governments, HSR assigns ratings from 0.5 to 5 stars, with more stars indicating a healthier product. Like Nutri-Score, it balances positive components (fiber, protein, fruit, vegetables) against negative ones (energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium). HSR provides an intuitive star-based visual, which some consumers find easier to interpret than a letter-grade system. However, its voluntary nature can lead to inconsistent labeling across product categories, and different adaptations of the scoring system exist.
Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) System
Unlike the aggregated score of Nutri-Score and HSR, the MTL system uses individual red, amber, or green labels for key nutrients like fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt. A red light signifies high content, amber indicates medium, and green indicates low. While this is highly transparent for individual nutrient levels, it lacks an overall summary score. This can make comparing products with mixed ratings (e.g., one red and three greens versus all ambers) more difficult for consumers. Research suggests that while warning labels can discourage unhealthy purchases, color-coded systems like Nutri-Score are more effective at encouraging healthier purchases.
A comparative look at scoring systems
| Feature | Nutri-Score | Health Star Rating (HSR) | Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating Format | 5-color, A-E scale | 0.5 to 5 stars | Red, amber, green for each nutrient |
| Calculation Method | Aggregated score (positive vs. negative nutrients) | Aggregated score (positive vs. negative nutrients) | Individual nutrient levels evaluated |
| Key Strengths | Easy comparison, robust scientific backing, encourages reformulation | Intuitive star rating, accounts for both positive and negative attributes | High transparency for specific nutrients like sugar and salt |
| Key Weaknesses | Can be misinterpreted (comparing products across categories), does not factor in ultra-processing | Voluntary nature leads to inconsistencies, different country adaptations | No aggregated score for quick comparison, can cause confusion with mixed colors |
| Geographic Reach | Predominantly Europe | Australia and New Zealand | Primarily UK, but with variations |
How to use nutrition scores effectively
Since no single system is perfect, the best approach is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the labels you encounter. For example, Nutri-Score is excellent for comparing two similar products, like two different breakfast cereals, to see which has a better overall nutritional profile. The MTL system, however, gives you a granular view of exactly how much sugar, fat, or salt is in a product, which can be useful if you are managing a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. Combining the insights from different labels can provide a more comprehensive picture of a food's quality.
Ongoing developments and the future of nutrition scoring
The field of nutritional labeling is not static. Continuous research and consumer feedback lead to algorithm refinements, such as the updates made to Nutri-Score in 2023-2024 to better distinguish between healthy and unhealthy products. Future developments may include incorporating ultra-processing information, as suggested by ongoing research. A move toward a harmonized, mandatory front-of-pack labeling system in the EU and beyond is also a topic of discussion among public health officials. This reflects the global effort to combat chronic diseases through improved consumer transparency and healthier food environments. Ultimately, while these scores are powerful tools, they are not a replacement for a balanced and varied diet, which includes plenty of fresh, whole foods that don't carry any label at all.
Conclusion: Which nutrition score is best?
Determining which nutrition score is best depends largely on what you prioritize. For quick, comparative judgments across similar product types, Nutri-Score offers a robust, scientifically-backed, and easy-to-understand system. If transparency on specific nutrient levels like salt or sugar is your priority, the Multiple Traffic Light system provides clear, isolated signals. Ultimately, the most effective tool is not a single score but an educated consumer who understands what each label signifies and uses that information in tandem with overall dietary knowledge. Instead of relying on a single 'best' score, empower yourself by learning how to use the different systems to your advantage, making healthier food choices one mindful purchase at a time.
Foodwatch.org provides additional details on how the Nutri-Score works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Nutri-Score and the Traffic Light system?
Nutri-Score provides an aggregated, color-coded letter score (A-E) for a product's overall nutritional quality, whereas the Traffic Light system gives separate red, amber, or green indicators for individual nutrients like sugar, fat, and salt.
Can a product receive a good Nutri-Score even if it's highly processed?
It's possible, though less likely with recent algorithm updates. While Nutri-Score doesn't explicitly penalize for ultra-processing, its algorithm for negative nutrients like sugar, salt, and saturated fats often correlates with highly processed products. Some researchers advocate for an additional label to specifically address processing.
How does the Health Star Rating work?
The Health Star Rating (HSR) in Australia and New Zealand assigns a star rating from 0.5 to 5 based on a calculation that balances a product's healthy components (fiber, protein) against its unhealthy ones (sugar, salt, saturated fat).
Are nutrition scores reliable for all food types?
Most front-of-pack labels are designed for packaged and processed foods. They are less relevant for whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, which typically carry no label and are universally considered healthy choices. It's also important to compare scores within the same food category, not across them.
What is a proprietary nutrition scoring system?
Proprietary systems like the former NuVal or Guiding Stars have a closed algorithm, meaning the public cannot see exactly how the score is calculated, which has led to transparency concerns and, in some cases, discontinuation.
Do manufacturers have to use nutrition scores on their products?
In many regions, the use of front-of-pack nutrition scores is voluntary. However, some governing bodies are discussing the possibility of making certain labeling systems mandatory to ensure wider transparency and consumer benefit.
How do updates to scoring algorithms affect me?
Algorithm updates, like those recently made to Nutri-Score, can change a product's rating to align with the latest nutritional science. This ensures the label remains relevant and helpful, though it may take time for manufacturers to update their packaging.
