Nutri-Score & Nutrition Grade Checker

What Is Nutri-Score?

Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack nutrition labeling system designed to help consumers quickly understand the overall nutritional quality of food products at a glance. Developed in France by a team of independent researchers led by Professor Serge Hercberg, Nutri-Score translates complex nutritional information into a simple five-color, five-letter scale from A (best nutritional quality) to E (lowest nutritional quality).

Since its introduction in 2017, Nutri-Score has been adopted by several European countries including France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. It has become one of the most widely recognized and scientifically validated nutrition labeling systems in the world.

The system was designed with a clear purpose: making it easier for everyday consumers to compare products within the same category and choose the option with better nutritional quality. Rather than requiring you to analyze detailed nutrition panels, Nutri-Score gives you an instant visual indicator.

How Nutri-Score Is Calculated

The Nutri-Score system uses a straightforward point-based algorithm that weighs both positive and negative nutritional factors:

Negative Points (0 to 10 each)

Points are added for components that should be limited in a healthy diet:

• Energy (calories): Higher calorie content earns more negative points.
• Sugars: Total sugar content is assessed; more sugar means more negative points.
• Saturated fatty acids: Higher saturated fat content increases negative points.
• Sodium (salt): Higher sodium levels lead to more negative points.

Positive Points (0 to 5 each)

Points are subtracted for components that are beneficial:

• Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes: Higher percentage content earns more positive points.
• Fiber: More fiber results in more positive points.
• Protein: Higher protein content earns more positive points.

Final Score Calculation

The final Nutri-Score is calculated by subtracting the positive points from the negative points. This produces a number that is then mapped to a letter grade:

What Each Grade Means

Grade A — Excellent Nutritional Quality

Foods with a Nutri-Score A are among the healthiest choices you can make. These are typically fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, plain yogurt, and fish. They are nutrient-dense, low in added sugars and saturated fat, and rich in beneficial components like fiber and protein.

Grade B — Good Nutritional Quality

Grade B foods have good nutritional profiles with minor areas that could be improved. This category often includes items like olive oil, certain breakfast cereals with moderate sugar content, and some dairy products. They are generally healthy choices for everyday consumption.

Grade C — Average Nutritional Quality

Grade C represents the middle ground. These foods have a balanced mix of positive and negative nutritional attributes. Many processed foods with moderate levels of sugar, fat, or sodium fall into this category. They are acceptable in moderation as part of a varied diet.

Grade D — Below-Average Nutritional Quality

Foods scoring a D have more negative nutritional factors than positive ones. They may be high in sugar, saturated fat, or sodium while offering limited nutritional benefits. Consumption should be limited, and healthier alternatives within the same food category should be preferred.

Grade E — Poor Nutritional Quality

Grade E foods have the lowest nutritional quality. These are typically ultra-processed products high in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium with very little fiber, protein, or other beneficial nutrients. Sugary drinks, candy, chips, and many fast foods commonly receive this grade.

NutriOptio Goes Beyond Nutri-Score

While Nutri-Score provides a useful overall quality rating, NutriOptio gives you a much more complete picture of any food's health impact by providing six total indicators:

Example Nutri-Score Ratings

Here are some examples to illustrate how common foods are graded:

How to Use Nutri-Score Effectively

• Compare within categories: Nutri-Score is most useful when comparing products within the same food category (e.g., different breakfast cereals or yogurts).
• Use as a guide, not a rule: A Grade C food is not necessarily unhealthy; it may simply have one elevated factor. Consider the full nutritional profile.
• Aim for more A and B foods: Try to make the majority of your daily food choices from Grade A and B products.
• Check multiple indicators: NutriOptio shows five additional health indicators alongside the nutrition grade, giving you a more complete picture than Nutri-Score alone.
• Consider your health goals: If you are managing diabetes, the Glycemic Index may be more relevant than the overall nutrition grade.