The Nutri-Score consists of a letter (A to E) and a color (dark green to dark orange). The score indicates whether the product has a better composition compared to similar products. For example, you can compare different breakfast cookies with each other. A zero breakfast cookie with a dark green A has a better composition than a candy breakfast cookie with an orange D. The Nutri-Score does not indicate whether a product is healthy or unhealthy, but rather whether it has a better or worse composition compared to similar products.

Maarten van Ooijen (State Secretary of Health, Welfare and Sport): “Nutri-Score is an addition to the existing dietary guidelines. The advice remains to eat as much as possible according to the Schijf van Vijf. Because the Schijf van Vijf shows which products are a healthy choice. If you eat something outside the Schijf van Vijf? Then Nutri-Score is a handy tool. It helps while shopping to easily and quickly see which product has a better composition. Without having to read the label on the back.”

Nutri-Score is originally a French system that is used in several European countries (France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg). To better align the algorithm with Dutch dietary guidelines, the algorithm has been revised by an international scientific committee.

Joline Beulens, professor of epidemiology lifestyle & chronic diseases at Amsterdam UMC, is one of the Dutch representatives on the committee: “The revised algorithm makes it particularly clear which products have a worse composition. They receive a yellow, orange, or dark orange score. Currently, for example, there are no pizzas known that can receive a dark green A with the revised algorithm. And diet cola receives a yellow C instead of a green B in the revised algorithm because sweeteners now receive negative points. With the green scores, Nutri-Score often does, but not always, enough differentiation. For example, white and whole grain pasta and rice both have a dark green A. While according to the Guidelines for Good Nutrition, whole grain variants are preferred.”

The Nutri-Score is determined per product with a special calculation (algorithm). Products receive a higher score for protein, fiber, fruit, vegetables, and legumes. And products receive a lower score for energy content (kcal), sugars, saturated fat, and salt. The calculation results in a total score for a product. For example, a dark green A or an orange D.

Van Ooijen continues: “With the revised algorithm, Nutri-Score aligns better with Dutch dietary guidelines. Further adjustment of the algorithm remains necessary. But as the Health Council stated after evaluating the revised algorithm, the 100 percent perfect food choice logo does not exist. Obesity and chronic diseases are increasing enormously. We must seize every available tool to make better choices regarding nutrition.”

Manufacturers can choose from January 1 whether to put a Nutri-Score on their products. If they choose to do so, they must place the Nutri-Score on every product of their brand. They then use the revised algorithm to calculate the scores.

The packages with a Nutri-Score that were already in stores before January 1 come from countries that have already implemented the Nutri-Score. In addition, there are Dutch companies that have placed the food choice logo on their products in a pilot phase to gain experience with the Nutri-Score logo.

Dutch companies that already had the Nutri-Score on their products during the pilot phase must have adjusted the Nutri-Score on their products according to the revised algorithm by July 1, 2024. Companies from countries that have already implemented Nutri-Score have until the end of 2025 to do so. Therefore, starting January 1, there will temporarily be products on the shelves with both the current and the revised algorithm.

Good explanations on how to use Nutri-Score while shopping are important. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport will start a public campaign in April 2024. Then, the Nutri-Score will be visible on more and more products in stores.