Introduction
The Nutri-Score logo displayed on the front of packaged goods provides additional information on the nutritional quality of food products.
Consumers can quickly identify the nutritional quality of such goods and compare this information to other products in the same category.
To determine a product’s Nutri-Score, the quantity of nutrients and foods considered to be healthy (e.g. fibre, protein, vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, rapeseed/nut/olive oil) is compared to the amount of nutrients which should be limited (calories, saturated fatty acids, sugar, salt). A classification ranging from A (dark green) to E (dark orange) is then displayed on the food item.
In the beginning of 2021, Luxembourg adopted a Grand-Ducal Regulation allowing the local companies to distribute their products on the Luxembourg market with the Nutri-Score label.
Calculation
When assessing a product, the Nutri-Score compares the nutrients and foods considered healthy (fibre, protein, fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, rapeseed / nut / olive oil) to those considered less beneficial (calories, saturated fatty acids, sugar, salt). The score is calculated for 100 g / 100 ml of the product.
Benefits
Consumers often find it difficult to understand food labels on nutritional quality. Thanks to the Nutri-Score, they can identify products with better nutritional quality at a glance. Consumers should favour products classified as A (dark green) and limit their intake of products displaying an E (dark orange). This is how the Nutri-Score can help consumers make healthier food choices.
Comparison
Nutri-Score allows consumers to compare the nutritional quality of products that belong to the same category. This makes it easy for consumers to compare the Nutri-Score of, say, different fruit yoghurts. Nutri-Score does not allow the comparison between the nutritional quality of products from different categories such as, for instance a pizza and a yoghurt.
Food processing
- Nutri-Score is not compulsory. The information is optional and complementary to information that must be displayed. Nutri-Score therefore does not figure on all products, which does not mean that these are of a lesser quality. However, if a company chooses to display Nutri-Score on one of its products, then it must display the label on all the products of the same brand.
- Nutri-Score does not consider additives in its assessment. However, additives must be included in the list of ingredients by either their name or their E code number.
- Nutri-Score assesses the nutritional quality of a product based on its proportion of healthy nutrients and foods (e.g. fibre, protein, fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, rapeseed / nut / olive oil) and those and those to be limited (calories, fatty saturated acids, sugar, salt). Nutri-Score therefore does not take the level of processing of products into account. The information required for the correct usage of Nutri-Score shall be located on the packaging.
- Nutri-Score displays an overall score for a product as it is sold, without necessarily considering its later preparation for consumption. In the case of French fries for instance, the score displayed on the product as sold may well be different to that of fries cooked in a deep fryer.
- Nutri-Score provides an overall assessment of a product’s nutritional quality. While it takes into account the exact amount of nutrients per 100 g / 100 ml of a product, the logo only provides an overall score. In order to identify the exact amount of a nutrient, consumers need to read the nutrition facts table that must be displayed on all products bearing the Nutri-Score. The score therefore indicates the overall nutritional quality of a product while the list of ingredients (link on the pamphlet) and in the table of nutritional data provide specific information on its ingredients and nutrients.
Surprising ratings ?
- In order to attribute its rating to a given product, the Nutri-Score system compares the quantity of nutrients and foodstuffs of which people should consume more (e.g. fibre, protein, fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, rape / walnut / olive oil) against those whose consumption should be more limited (e.g. calories, saturated fatty acids, sugar, salt). Following that evaluation, Nutri-Score rates the product, awarding it a mark ranging from “A” (dark green”) to “E” (dark orange). The sugars and calories in fruit juice are considered less favourable in the Nutri-Score evaluation, whereas sweeteners are not considered at all. This means that a drink with sweeteners can be awarded a better score than a fruit juice, because it does not contain any sugar and has fewer calories. All drinks containing added sweeteners must indicate this fact on their labels.
- This means that, for example, a pizza containing many vegetables and little fat can be awarded a better score than a pizza with few vegetables and more fat. The Nutri-Score system aims to encourage food manufacturers to get better ratings for their products, i.e., to ensure they have better nutritional value. Depending on its recipe, a frozen pizza can therefore obtain a good score. Nutri-Score permits consumers to compare products and make better choices when it comes to their pizzas, for instance. This rating system provides additional information about the nutritional value of a given product. Consumers may consult the nutrition labels and lists of ingredients on products, allowing for a better understanding of their nutritional value.
Monitoring study
A monitoring study on the use of the Nutri-Score in Luxembourg was carried out in July 2023. You can find the detailed study at this link (in german).
Information for professionals
Are you an entrepreneur in food processing and would like to use the Nutri-Score label on your products? Then click here (in french).