Nutri-Score: the label for informed food choices

Nutri-Score

The Nutri-Score is a label found on the packaging of food products to better inform consumers about nutritional values. Nutrition is an important factor for good health. More and more people are aware of this and place great importance on exactly what they eat. Unfortunately, the nutritional values found on packaging are not always well understood.

Thanks to the transparent, scientifically substantiated information provided by the Nutri-Score label, consumers are better informed about nutritional values. It helps them make informed choices and maintain a healthy diet. It also provides clarity, since every manufacturer and supermarket chain uses the same indication.

How is the score calculated?

There are 5 different scores, indicated by a letter from A to E and a corresponding colour. The score a product receives depends on the amount of nutrients to encourage and nutrients to limit. The nutritional elements to encourage are fibre, protein, fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts and certain oils. Elements that should be limited are sugars, calories, salt and saturated fats. The score is calculated per 100 ml or 100 g, depending on the type of product.

Based on this, a number is then determined. Each Nutri-Score letter corresponds to a range of different numbers. Depending on the number achieved, a letter is assigned. That is the letter you see on the packaging. Please note: there is a difference in scoring between drinks and food. That difference looks as follows:

But how does this work in practice? We show it using the calculation for a can of cola. In doing so, we immediately look at the difference between Coke and Coke Zero.

Nutri-Score in Belgium and Europe

Since August 2018, the Nutri-Score has also been in use in Belgium. Almost a year later, a legal framework was established in the Belgian Official Gazette and a campaign was launched.

Manufacturers and retailers are therefore encouraged to use the Nutri-Score label. As a Belgian operator in the food sector, would you like to use the Nutri-Score? Then you need to take the following steps:

• Register with Santé Publique France to obtain the licence to use the Nutri-Score brand.
• Inform the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment of the marketed products carrying a Nutri-Score on the Belgian market.

AMNorman and Nutri-Score

Would you like to know more about the Nutri-Score, or are you curious which score your product would deserve? Feel free to get in touch with us, we're happy to help!