Nutriscore: The Complete Guide to the Nutritional Labeling System

What is Nutri-Score and How is it Transforming Our Diet?

Nutriscore is a nutritional labeling system developed to help consumers quickly identify the nutritional quality of food products. Initially implemented in France in 2017, this front-of-package classification system has become a fundamental tool to improve the purchasing decisions of millions of European consumers. But what is Nutri-Score really, and how is it changing our relationship with food?

The Nutriscore system uses a color and letter code ranging from A (dark green) to E (red), where each category represents the nutritional value of the product. This classification allows consumers to compare similar products and choose healthier options at a glance, without needing to analyze nutritional information tables in detail.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore all aspects of Nutriscore: its methodology, implementation, controversies, and how major companies like Coca Cola, Danone, and Nesquik have adapted their products to this system. We will also examine the criteria for obtaining a Nutriscore A and why certain products surprisingly receive a Nutriscore C despite their public perception.

Origin and History of the Nutriscore System

The Nutriscore system was born in response to the growing epidemic of obesity and food-related diseases in Europe. Developed by a team of French researchers led by Professor Serge Hercberg, this nutritional labeling system was the result of years of scientific research on nutrition and consumer behavior.

The history of Nutriscore began in 2013, when French health authorities were looking for a system that would simplify nutritional information for consumers. After several comparative studies with other existing systems, Nutriscore proved to be the most effective in guiding consumers toward healthier choices.

France officially adopted Nutriscore in 2017, followed by Belgium, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Although the European Union has not yet established Nutriscore as a mandatory system, its popularity and effectiveness have led many companies to implement it voluntarily, recognizing its value for health-conscious consumers.

How Does Nutri-Score Work? Criteria and Methodology

Understanding what Nutri-Score is involves knowing its calculation methodology. This system evaluates foods using an algorithm that considers both “negative” and “positive” components in nutritional composition.

“Negative” Components Evaluated by Nutriscore

• Calories (energy density)
• Simple sugars
• Saturated fats
• Sodium (salt)

“Positive” Components Evaluated by Nutriscore

• Proteins
• Dietary fiber
• Percentage of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
• Olive oil, rapeseed oil, and walnut oil (in specific cases)

El algoritmo del Nutriscore asigna puntos a cada componente. Los puntos negativos se restan de los positivos para obtener una puntuación final que determina la clasificación en la escala de A a E. Cuanto menor sea la puntuación total, mejor será la clasificación nutricional del producto.

Esta metodología permite que el Nutriscore evalúe los alimentos de manera integral, considerando tanto los aspectos que debemos limitar como aquellos que debemos favorecer en nuestra dieta.

The Five Categories of Nutriscore: From A to E

The Nutriscore system classifies foods into five categories, represented by letters and colors, which facilitate immediate visual identification:

Nutriscore A (Dark Green)

Nutriscore A represents the best nutritional quality. Products with this classification generally contain:

• High content of proteins, fiber, and/or fruits and vegetables
• Low content of sugars, saturated fats, and salt
• Typical examples: fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, unprocessed fish, and some whole grains

Many brands strive to reformulate their products to achieve a Nutriscore A, which has generated a positive trend toward healthier options in the market.

Nutriscore B (Light Green)

Products with a B classification have a favorable nutritional profile, although not as optimal as those in category A. They tend to be:

• Foods with good nutritional balance but with some component that could be improved
• Many natural yogurts, low-sugar cereals, or whole-grain breads obtain this classification

Nutriscore C (Yellow)

Nutriscore C indicates intermediate nutritional quality. This category includes:

• Foods with positive aspects but also with elements to improve
• Surprisingly, some products perceived as healthy receive a Nutriscore C due to their sugar or saturated fat content

It’s important to understand that a Nutriscore C doesn’t necessarily mean that a food is “bad,” but that there are healthier alternatives in its category.

Nutriscore D (Orange)

Category D indicates relatively low nutritional quality:

• These products usually contain significant amounts of sugars, saturated fats, or salt
• Many processed foods and snacks fall into this category

Nutriscore E (Red)

The E classification represents the lowest nutritional quality:

• High content of “negative” components and low contribution of beneficial elements
• They are usually ultra-processed products, sweets, salty snacks, and sugary drinks

Knowing these categories helps consumers correctly interpret the meaning of Nutri-Score and make more informed decisions when comparing similar products.

Nutriscore in Major Brands: Case Studies and Adaptations

Major food companies have had to adapt to the Nutriscore system, in some cases reformulating their products to improve their classification. Let’s look at some emblematic cases:

Nutriscore Coca Cola: The Evolution of Soft Drinks

The Coca Cola Nutriscore has been a controversial topic since the implementation of the system. Classic Coca Cola, due to its high sugar content, receives a Nutriscore E (red), the lowest classification on the scale. This rating has put pressure on the company to develop healthier alternatives.

In response, Coca Cola has expanded its product range:

• Coca Cola Zero Sugar: achieves a Nutriscore B, significantly improving compared to the original version
• Coca Cola Light: also obtains a Nutri-Score B
• Flavored waters of the brand: some achieve a Nutriscore A

The case of Coca Cola Nutri-Score shows how this system is driving innovations in the beverage industry, traditionally criticized for its impact on public health.

Danone Nutriscore: Leading the Change in Dairy Products

Danone was one of the first major companies to voluntarily adopt the Nutriscore system across all its products. The Danone Nutriscore varies considerably depending on the product:

• Natural yogurts: usually achieve Nutriscore A or B
• Fruit yogurts: generally obtain Nutriscore B or C, depending on sugar content
• Dairy desserts: many receive Nutriscore C or D

The interesting thing about the Danone Nutriscore case is that the company has used this classification as a guide to progressively reformulate its products, reducing sugars and saturated fats to improve their nutritional profile. This is an example of how Nutriscore can positively influence the food industry.

Nesquik Nutriscore: Controversies in Children’s Products

The case of Nesquik Nutriscore has generated debate, as this popular soluble cocoa for children receives a Nutriscore C or D (depending on the variety), surprising many parents. This Nesquik Nutriscore is mainly due to its high sugar content.

In response to market pressure and Nutriscore classifications, Nestlé has developed versions of Nesquik with lower sugar content, some managing to improve to a Nutriscore B. This case illustrates how the system is influencing products aimed at children, traditionally rich in added sugars.

Controversies and Limitations of the Nutriscore System

Despite its benefits, the Nutriscore system is not exempt from criticism and controversies:

The Case of Olive Oil Nutriscore

One of the biggest controversies involves the olive oil Nutri-Score. Initially, this Mediterranean superfood received a Nutriscore C due to its high caloric density and fat content, despite its recognized health benefits.

After intense protests from producing countries like Spain and Italy, the algorithm was modified to consider the quality of fats, allowing extra virgin olive oil to improve its classification to Nutriscore B. This case illustrates one of the limitations of the system: the difficulty in evaluating individual foods outside the context of a complete diet.

Traditional Foods vs. Ultra-processed

Another important criticism is that some traditional foods with centuries of presence in the Mediterranean diet (such as cured cheeses or Iberian ham) may receive worse classifications than certain ultra-processed products reformulated to “trick” the algorithm.

For example, a zero-calorie soda, technically low in calories, sugars, and fats, can achieve a good Nutriscore, while natural but caloric foods receive worse classifications despite their nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation.

Food Categories and Comparability

Nutriscore is primarily designed to compare foods within the same category (yogurts with yogurts, cereals with cereals), but consumers often use it to compare products from completely different categories, which can lead to erroneous conclusions about the overall quality of their diet.

The Impact of Nutriscore on Consumer Habits

Is Nutriscore working to improve our eating habits? Scientific studies show promising results:

Studies on Nutriscore Effectiveness

Research conducted in several European countries demonstrates that:

• Nutriscore is the easiest nutritional labeling system for consumers to understand
• Its presence increases the likelihood of choosing healthier products by 30-40%
• Shopping baskets in households that use Nutriscore as a guide have, on average, better nutritional quality

Product Reformulation by the Industry

A positive side effect of the Nutriscore system has been the reformulation of products by the food industry:

• Reduction of salt content in many processed foods
• Decrease in added sugars in products such as breakfast cereals and dairy products
• Substitution of saturated fats with healthier alternatives

Brands like Danone, Nesquik, and Coca Cola have modified their recipes to improve their Nutriscore, which benefits public health regardless of whether consumers actively consult the label.

How to Correctly Interpret Nutriscore?

To make the most of the Nutriscore system as a consumer, it’s important to understand its limitations and use it correctly:

Nutriscore as a Complementary Tool

Nutri-Score should not be the only guide to building a healthy diet. It’s a complementary tool that works best when:

• It’s used to compare similar products (for example, different cereal brands)
• It’s interpreted along with the ingredients list and the complete nutritional table
• It’s considered in the context of a varied and balanced diet

Foods Without Nutriscore: How to Evaluate Them?

Many fresh unprocessed foods (fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, fish) don’t carry Nutriscore, but they are generally healthy options that should form the basis of our diet. The meaning of Nutri-Score should be interpreted recognizing that unlabeled foods are often the most recommendable.

Nutriscore in Specific Products

It’s important to know the particularities of Nutriscore in certain food groups:

• Olive oil: Although it now has a better classification, it remains a caloric product to be consumed in moderation
• Beverages: The Coca Cola Nutriscore and other drinks can be misleading if only the letter is looked at, without considering that “zero” versions contain artificial sweeteners
• Dairy products: The Danone Nutriscore varies greatly among products; it’s useful for finding less sugary versions
• Children’s products: The Nesquik Nutriscore and other children’s products often have worse classifications than expected, revealing their high sugar content

The Future of Nutriscore: Expansion and Possible Improvements

The Nutriscore system continues to evolve and expand to new markets:

Implementation at European Level

The European Commission is considering adopting a harmonized front-of-pack nutritional labeling system, and Nutriscore is one of the main candidates. This European-level implementation would mean:

• Greater pressure on the food industry to improve its formulations
• Better comparability between products from different countries
• Greater familiarity of consumers with the system

Possible Algorithm Improvements

The scientists responsible for Nutriscore continue to refine the algorithm to address criticisms and improve its accuracy:

• Greater consideration of ingredient quality, not just their nutritional composition
• Differentiation between naturally present and added sugars
• Better evaluation of minimally processed traditional foods

Integration with Digital Technologies

The future of Nutriscore will likely include greater integration with mobile applications and other technologies:

• Scanning products to obtain expanded nutritional information
• Personalized recommendations based on individual dietary needs
• Tracking the overall nutritional profile of purchases made

Currently, there are already innovative applications that leverage Nutriscore data to help consumers.

A notable example is “Avoid Additives,” an application that allows users to scan products and immediately obtain their Nutriscore classification, along with detailed information about additives present in foods. This app combines the visual simplicity of Nutriscore with additional data on potentially problematic ingredients, offering a more complete view of the product than labeling alone provides. “Avoid Additives” perfectly represents how technology can enhance the value of the Nutriscore system and facilitate more informed and healthy purchasing decisions.

Practical Tips for Using Nutriscore in Your Daily Life

To make the most of the Nutriscore system in your everyday shopping:

Compare Similar Products

Nutriscore is most useful when comparing foods in the same category:

• Among different cereal brands, look for those with Nutriscore A or B
• Compare yogurts to find options with less sugar and better Nutriscore
• When choosing soft drinks, consider that Coca Cola Nutriscore Zero is better than the standard version, but water remains the best option

Don’t Demonize Foods by Their Nutriscore

A Nutriscore C or even D or E doesn’t mean that a food should be completely eliminated from the diet:

• Some traditionally healthy foods like nuts or olive oil may have intermediate classifications due to their caloric density
• What’s important is the overall balance of the diet, not each individual product

Educate Children About Nutriscore

Nutriscore is an excellent educational tool:

• Teach children to identify the colors and letters of Nutriscore
• Explain to them why products like Nesquik have a less favorable Nutriscore
• Involve them in choosing alternatives with better classification

Frequently Asked Questions about Nutriscore

The Role of Nutriscore in a Healthy Diet

The Nutriscore system represents a significant advance in how we communicate nutritional information to consumers. Its visual simplicity and scientific basis make it a valuable tool for improving our everyday food choices.

However, it’s important to remember that Nutri-Score is just one piece of the healthy eating puzzle. To make the most of this system, we should:

• Use it as a complement, not a substitute, for other nutritional knowledge
• Understand its limitations, especially with traditional foods
• Recognize its value for comparing similar products, such as different varieties of Coca Cola, Danone products, or Nesquik
• Continue prioritizing fresh and minimally processed foods, many of which don’t even carry a Nutriscore label

Ultimately, Nutriscore is a tool that is contributing to positive change in the food industry and in our consumption habits. Its continuing evolution and improvement promise to make it even more useful in the future, especially if integrated into a broader framework of nutritional education and healthy food policies.

By understanding what Nutri-Score is, how to interpret its categories from Nutriscore A to E, and how to apply it to specific products such as those with Nutriscore C or when evaluating the Nutriscore of brands like Coca Cola, Danone, or Nesquik, consumers can make more informed decisions that benefit their long-term health.