Nutri-Score

In short: The Nutri-Score rates the nutritional quality of a food with the letters A (green, favourable) to E (red, unfavourable).

In more detail: It is calculated per 100 g or 100 ml. Unfavourable properties (energy, sugars, saturated fat, salt) earn negative points, favourable ones (fibre, protein, fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts) positive points. The sum gives the letter. In Germany it has been voluntary since 2020.

Our context: The product scanner takes the Nutri-Score from the database. If it is missing, it calculates a milder rating of its own from the nutrition values.

In Depth

• Good for comparing: Within a product group (muesli with muesli) it shows the better candidate.
• Limits: It does not rate additives, degree of processing or origin. A drink with sweetener can score better than juice. Oils and fats are rated separately.
• New algorithm: It was revised from 2023/2024 so that salt, sweeteners and wholegrain are better accounted for.
• Manufacturers decide: Whoever uses the Nutri-Score can leave it off poor products.
• Compared with NOVA: NOVA rates processing (NOVA classification).

See also: NOVA classification, Reading the nutrition table