The Nutri-Score assigns foods a color, from green to red, and a letter, from A to E, based on their nutritional value. In 2024, the hunt for salt and sugars will get tougher.
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Visually, the logo does not change, but its calculation rules are evolving to better comply with the latest international scientific recommendations in nutrition and health. With the new algorithm, products rich in sugar or salt are rated more harshly. Proteins are no longer all in the same boat: red meat is rated less well than poultry meat, and fatty fish, rich in omega 3, are valued. These rules apply from today for new packaging but there will be a delay in clearing stocks.
The products whose rating changes with this new method of calculation are, for example, certain prepared meals such as pizzas which see their rating drop, just like breakfast cereals considered too sweet or even certain yogurts or flavored dairy products. Diet sodas based on sweeteners are also less well rated, going from B to C. On the other hand, wholemeal bread, pasta or rice, rich in fiber, are valued, as are certain hard cheeses. , with limited quantities of salt, like Emmental for example.
A useful logo
130 studies carried out in around twenty countries have proven its interest. There is consensus to say that regular consumption of foods rated lower by the Nutri-Score is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity or certain cancers. The drop in sales of certain products marked in red has also led some manufacturers to partially modify their recipes.
But, this logo remains optional, and currently, only a little over 60% of brands display it on their packaging. Some experts believe that we have reached a glass ceiling, and that to do better in the future, this Nutri-Score should be made compulsory.