In Europe, consumers must be informed about the products they consume: they must have easy access to basic information, such as the nutritional declaration or the list of ingredients, which are now mandatory on each food product.
For several years now, to make it easier for consumers to understand this nutritional information, other information has been put forward, such as the Nutri-Score.
What is the Nutri-Score?
A green Nutri-Score with an A is considered virtuous for health, while a Nutri-Score red with an E is considered unhealthy
Set up in 2017 by Public Health France, the Nutri-Score is a logo that indicates to consumers the nutritional value of an industrial product.
Based on a 5-letter scale (A, B, C, D and E), the Nutri-Score takes into account, over 100 grams or 100 ml, the content of a food product in:
- Nutrients and foods to favor (fibers, proteins, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, etc.);
- Nutrients to limit (energy content, salt, fat, sugars, saturated fatty acids, etc.).
Very popular with consumers, this indicator seems to have a real impact on consumer choice: according to a survey carried out in 2021 by Santé Publique France, 45% of French people familiar with the logo indicated that the Nutri-Score could make them choose a product with a higher score rather than another with a lower score within the same department.
It is true that this tool is very useful on a daily basis because it allows you to compare two same products and to better choose your food products. But when is it really? Is it really reliable? Answers!
Did you know ? Since its launch in France, many European countries have also taken the plunge: Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Luxembourg…
Is the Nutri-Score reliable?
Praised by some, decried by others, the Nutri-Score is today at the heart of many debates.
Indeed, the Nutri-Score also has limits:
- Just because your basket is entirely made up of “A” rated products does not mean that your diet will be perfect for your health.. Indeed, if certain nutrients must be consumed in moderation, they are not to be completely excluded from our diet. The diet must be balanced and varied, combining several foods;
- The Nutri-Score does not make it possible to distinguish the mode of production associated with the product (Red Label, Blue-White-Heart, AOP…);
- The Nutri-Score is calculated for 100 grams or 100 ml, which is not always representative of the consumption of a product (oil, honey, salt)
- It does not take into account additives, pesticides, the glycemic index or the degree of processing of these same foods ;
- Some foods are systematically in class D or even E, such as fats (butters, oils, cheeses). Yet we know that these behavioral foods have many health benefits. It would thus be totally absurd to do without it!
- Finally, the Nutri-Score does not take into account product consumption habits either.. Take the example of frozen fries: on the bag, most of the time, a Nutri-Score A is indicated. In fact, the potato is actually very good for your health. However, when consumers cook these same fries, they will use fat, which will not be counted in the final score!
Even if the Nutri-Score remains relevant, especially for comparing two products in the same category, it is still necessary to take into account other classifications, such as the NOVA classification for food processing.
Did you know ? Available on certain prepackaged products, this logo is not mandatory: it can be affixed by producers on their products on a voluntary basis.
LR