Reading the nutrition table

In short: The nutrition table lists energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt per 100 g or 100 ml. This makes comparison possible.

In more detail: Since December 2016 the table has been mandatory under the Food Information Regulation. Manufacturers may also give portion values, which are often smaller than a realistic portion.

In Depth

• Energy: in kJ and kcal. 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ.
• Salt instead of sodium: salt = sodium × 2.5. More than 1.5 g salt per 100 g counts as high.
• “Of which”: Sugars are part of the carbohydrates, saturated fat part of the fat.
• Traffic light: Per 100 g, fat above 17.5 g, saturated fat above 5 g, sugars above 22.5 g and salt above 1.5 g count as high.
• Fibre and protein are voluntary but helpful.
• Vitamins and minerals: They must be stated if they are advertised.
• Unit price: Unit price and price per kilo.

See also: Nutri-Score, Hidden sugar in food