Navigating fatty, sugary, and salty foods to protect your health can feel like an obstacle course. The Nutri-Score label simplifies this, helping you make informed choices. Learn how it works, its strengths and limitations, and tips for guilt-free grocery shopping.
Introduced on food packaging in 2017, the Nutri-Score informs consumers about a product's nutritional quality using a simple color-coded letter scale from A to E.
Designed for easy understanding by all consumers, it's a quick visual guide to nutritional value.
Scores are based on 100g or 100ml servings, rewarding beneficial nutrients like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fiber while penalizing salt, sugars, and saturated fats. The final score determines the letter and color—the lower the score, the healthier the product.
Food companies can obtain the Nutri-Score label for free via Santé Publique France's dedicated platform.
Empowered by Nutri-Score, shoppers influence manufacturers. Poorly rated products often see sales drop, prompting brands to reformulate for better scores and healthier options.
Eat better: Essential apps
Download Yuka or What's Inside? to scan products in real-time, revealing compositions and additives to avoid—perfect for smarter shopping.
While Nutri-Score offers a quick nutritional snapshot, always check ingredient lists for full context.
Critics note it can mislead: Fresh fruit juices often score C or D due to natural sugars, yet they're additive-free and nutritious. Conversely, a tomato sauce scoring A might list 15+ ingredients—far from homemade simplicity.
Nutri-Score in numbers
Only 14% of French shoppers actively check Nutri-Score1, but A/B-rated products see 1.1% sales growth, while C/D drop 0.8%.
Ditch processed foods, hunt hidden sugars and additives, and cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Enjoy flavorful, Nutri-Score-friendly meals with minimal ingredients.
Cook 180g quinoa. Roast cubed butternut squash with olive oil. Toss with 1 tsp mustard and 2 tsp balsamic vinegar.
Calories: 295 kcal/100g | Sugar: 0g
Blend 1 banana, 1 apple, 70g spinach, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 100ml apple juice, and water to taste.
Calories: 56 kcal/100g | Sugar: 1g/100g
Steam cauliflower florets, top with light cream and grated cheese, then bake.
Calories: 90 kcal/100g | Sugar: 0g
Need support for better eating?
Try Wellness fitness and nutrition coaching: personalized diet advice, remote sessions, and more.
Healthy eating is simpler than ever with tools like Nutri-Score and apps. Reclaim your cart and kitchen for nutritious, enjoyable meals!
1 Nielsen design office.
