Nutri-Score: how to use it when shopping

A letter to compare with, not to decide everything

• Nutritional quality of the product.
• A benchmark calculated per 100 g or 100 ml.
• To be completed by ingredients and portion.

The scale runs from A to E. Each letter has its own colour and position: the letter stays readable even without telling the colours apart.

The calculation balances components to favour (protein, fibre, vegetables, pulses, fruit, nuts, olive, rapeseed and walnut oils) against those to limit (energy, saturated fat, sugars, salt). A favourable letter does not mean "unlimited"; an unfavourable letter bans nothing.

The logo is voluntary: many products carry none at all.

At the shelf, four habits

1. 1

   Compare the alternatives

   Pick two or three products that meet the same need.

2. 2

   Look at the Nutri-Score

   It quickly places those products relative to each other.

3. 3

   Read ingredients and the table

   They spell out the composition and what matters to you.

4. 4

   Check the portion

   The score covers 100 g; your plate rarely does.

On the pack, four areas to read

1. 1Nutri-Score on the frontA comparison cue, when the manufacturer has chosen to display it.
2. 2Nutrition tableThe exact amounts per 100 g or 100 ml: energy, fat, sugars, fibre, protein, salt.
3. 3Ingredients and allergensThe composition in decreasing order; allergens are highlighted, sometimes with a "may contain traces" statement.
4. 4Weight and portionsThe total weight and the number of portions stated: this is what links the label to your plate.

Three concrete comparisons

Illustrative examples: no letter is given, because it depends on the exact product in your hand.

100 g or the whole tray?

A fictional worked example, for teaching purposes:

The amount you actually eat changes with the portion. The product’s Nutri-Score is not recalculated for that portion: it stays established per 100 g or 100 ml.

What the letter does not tell you

• AllergensThe letter does not flag them: refer to the ingredient list and the allergen statements.
• Individual needsThe score is not personalised: it knows nothing about your health, your treatments or your goals.
• Processing and additivesThe letter describes neither the degree of processing, nor additives, nor pesticide residues.
• QuantityA favourable letter does not mean unlimited portions; an unfavourable letter bans no food.

What if you have specific needs?

Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney disease, digestive disorders: the guidance that counts is the one set with your doctor and your dietitian. The Nutri-Score does not replace it.

With an allergy or intolerance, the ingredient list and the allergen statements always take precedence over the front-of-pack letter.

Frequently asked questions