Nutri-Score 2024: New method and how to make healthy food choices
Introduction: Nutri-Score, an improved system for healthier eating
You've probably found yourself standing in front of a supermarket shelf, hesitating between several food products, wondering which is the "best" for your health. Taste is obviously a key factor in your decision, but what about the nutritional aspect? This is where Nutri-Score comes into play! Designed to help consumers choose healthier foods, this little colored logo makes it easier to compare food products.
Since its introduction in France in 2017, the Nutri-Score has conquered other European countries, and has been adopted in Switzerland in 2019, following the recommendations of the Swiss Food Safety Authority.Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FOSV). But the big news for 2024 is that this system has been improved to better reflect current nutritional recommendations.
In this article, we'll explain what these changes are, why they're important for your health, and how to use the Nutri-Score to make more informed food choices. You'll also discover how to well Bons commitment to nutritional transparency.
How the Nutri-Score works: Simple explanations of A to E ratings
The Nutri-Score is a rating system that classifies foods according to their nutritional quality on a scale from A à Eassociated with a color code ranging from green (healthiest) to red (consume in moderation). This score is determined according to an algorithm that evaluates both the positive elements of a food (such as the presence of fiber, protein, or fruits and vegetables) and the elements to be limited (such as saturated fats, sugar, etc.). Salt, sugar, and calories).
The score is calculated per 100g or 100ml of product, making it quick and easy to compare similar products. For example, you can quickly compare two types of yoghurt or cereal using this system.
Calculating the Nutri-Score: an algorithm based on a few key elements
To evaluate a product, the Nutri-Score algorithm awards positive points for beneficial nutrients such as :
- Fiber.
- Protein.
- Fruits, vegetables and Nuts.
On the other hand, it awards negative points for items to be limited, such as :
- Calories.
- Saturated fats.
- sugar.
- The Salt.
The total points then determine the letter assigned to the product. The lower the score, the better the Nutri-Score (close to A), and the higher the score, the more the product should be consumed in moderation (close to E).
What's new in the Nutri-Score for 2024?
1 - Taking into account sweeteners in beverages
One of the major changes in Nutri-Score 2024 is the inclusion of artificial sweeteners in beverages. Until now, artificial sweeteners were not really included in the calculation. Beverages containing sweeteners are now better evaluated, to reflect recent research on their potential impact on health. Studies show that sweeteners can disrupt metabolism, influence weight gain and increase the risk of certain diseases. As a result, even "diet" drinks will no longer automatically be perceived as "harmless".
2 - Improved Scores for Fatty Fish and Oils Rich in Good Fats
Oily fish such as mackerel or trout, as well as oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids (such as olive or rapeseed oil), now enjoy higher scores. These foods are rich in omega-3 and other fatty acids beneficial to the heart, blood circulation and brain function. This update better reflects their positive impact on health.
3 - Best Wholemeal Classification
Wholemeal products, such as wholemeal bread and wholemeal pasta, now score higher. Rich in fiber and essential nutrients, these foods are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This change encourages the consumption of these products, which are often underestimated.
4 - Impact on products that are too sweet or salty
Products containing excessive amounts of sugar or Salt will be penalized in 2024. In response to growing concerns about obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, these adjustments aim to raise consumer awareness of the importance of limiting these elements in their diet.
Why is the Nutri-Score 2024 important for your health?
1 - Simple and accessible to all
One of the great advantages of the Nutri-Score is its simplicity. You don't need to be a nutrition expert to understand the logo. At a glance, you can determine which product is healthier. This is particularly useful for families and parents wishing to offer their children more balanced foods.
2 - A quick and efficient comparison tool
When faced with two similar products, such as two brands of cereal, the Nutri-Score enables a quick comparison. You can instantly choose which is more balanced, without having to spend hours reading and deciphering labels.
3 - A Guide to Better Balanced Meals
The Nutri-Score is not intended to ban certain foods, but rather to help you balance your meals. A product graded C or D is not necessarily to be banned, but it can be consumed in moderation as part of a more balanced overall diet.
The Limits of the Nutri-Score: What You Need to Know for a Balanced Diet
1 - Comparison within the same category
It's important to remember that the Nutri-Score can only be used to compare similar products. Comparing the Nutri-Score of an olive oil to that of a yoghurt makes no sense, as their nutritional compositions and therefore their intakes are radically different. This system is above all a tool for comparison within the same food category.
2 - Ultra-processed products
The Nutri-Score does not evaluate the degree of food processing. As a result, ultra-processed products containing additives or preservatives may receive a favorable Nutri-Score (A or B), while more natural products that are high in calories or fat may receive a lower score. This failure to take into account the degree of processing is one of the main criticisms levelled at the Nutri-Score.
3 - Lack of Essential Micronutrients
The Nutri-Score does not take into account the presence of certain important micronutrients such as vitamins, calcium, iron or omega-3s. A product may therefore be poorly rated despite the presence of these essential nutrients.
4 - Portion Size Not Considered
The Nutri-Score is based on a calculation per 100g or 100ml, without taking into account portion sizes as sold or consumed. This can sometimes mislead consumers about the "healthy" amount to consume.
5 - Adapting to individual needs
The Nutri-Score does not take into account the specific nutritional needs of each individual, which vary according to age, gender, level of physical activity and other factors. For example, the nutritional needs of an athlete or a pregnant woman will not be the same as those of a child or a sedentary person.
How Well Bon Adopts the Nutri-Score and Promotes Healthy Eating
At bien Bonwe have chosen to display the Nutri-Score on all our dishes. We firmly believe in nutritional transparency and have designed our dishes to be not only tasty, but also well-balanced. However, our commitment goes beyond labelling: our dishes are prepared using traditional methods and contain no additives or preservatives. Thanks to pasteurization in jars, our meals have a long shelf life, without compromising their quality.
However, we don't pretend that all our dishes are A or B rated (which would be a big challenge!). Some, like the black olive tapenade, are rated C or D, but that doesn't mean you should avoid them. Indeed, our approach is based on the idea that eating healthily doesn't mean depriving yourself of gustatory pleasures. We're convinced that it's possible to eat a balanced diet and still enjoy authentic flavors, even if some foods should be eaten in moderation.
The Nutri-Score is there to help you compose your meals in a balanced way. If a product has a less favorable score, it can still be integrated into an overall healthy diet. In other words, we're giving you the information you need to make those choices with a clear conscience, but we also know that diversity and variety are essential to a healthy diet. and understanding your specific needs are the keys to good nutrition. Our mission is to offer you dishes that help you do just that, without forcing you to deprive yourself of your favorite foods.
So you can eat well, without depriving yourself. 😉
Adopting the Nutri-Score on a daily basis: How to better compose your meals
To integrate the Nutri-Score into your daily food choices, here are a few practical tips to help you balance your meals:
1 - Choose products with a Nutri-Score A or B
When you go shopping, try to give preference to foods with a Nutri-Score A or B, especially for products you consume regularly such as bread, cereals, yoghurts or drinks. These products often contain less sugar, saturated fats or fatty acids. Salt, while still being rich in beneficial nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals.
2 - Moderate consumption of products rated C, D or E
Products graded C, D or E should not be banned, but it is preferable to consume them on a more occasional basis or in small quantities. For example, if you enjoy a high-fat cheese graded D, you can still enjoy it, in moderation, as part of a balanced meal including vegetables and lean proteins.
3 - Pay attention to portions
As mentioned above, the Nutri-Score is calculated per 100g or 100ml of product, without taking portion size into account. Some foods rated D or E can be eaten in small quantities without significantly affecting the nutritional quality of your meal. So be vigilant about the portions you consume, especially for foods higher in calories, sugar or saturated fats.
4 - Supplement your meals with unprocessed foods
Fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, lean meats and fish often do not have a Nutri-Score, as they are unprocessed products. However, these foods are naturally healthy and rich in essential nutrients. Don't hesitate to include them generously in your meals to balance your dishes and increase your intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
The Future of the Nutri-Score: Towards Continuous Evolution for Better Public Health
The Nutri-Score is a tool that continues to evolve. The adjustments made in 2024 clearly show that the system is adapting to new scientific data and current nutritional recommendations. Let's hope that further improvements will be made in the years to come, in particular to take better account of aspects such as food processing, essential micronutrients and the environmental impact of food products.
The aim of the Nutri-Score remains to make nutritional information more accessible and comprehensible to all, in a context where public health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are on the rise. It helps guide consumers towards healthier choices, while making manufacturers aware of the importance of reformulating their products to improve their nutritional quality.
Conclusion: The Nutri-Score, An Ally for Informed Food Choices
The Nutri-Score has become an essential tool to help you adopt a healthier, more balanced diet. In fact, it's almost the only one. With the changes introduced in 2024, it becomes even more relevant, reflecting more accurately the nutritional quality of the foods we eat every day.
However, while a valuable guide, the Nutri-Score is no substitute for a global, individualized approach to nutrition. Each person has specific needs that depend on many factors (age, gender, physical activity, state of health), and it is essential to consider these needs in your food choices. A healthy diet is above all varied and balanced, and the Nutri-Score is there to guide you without dictating what you should eat.
At bien Bonwe believe in total transparency on the nutritional quality of our dishes, which is why we have chosen to display the Nutri-Score on each product. Our dishes are cooked with simple ingredients, without additives or preservatives, to offer you tasty, balanced meals. Because eating well also means enjoying yourself, we encourage you to enjoy every meal, without guilt, but with awareness and according to your needs.
The Nutri-Score is an ally in your quest for a healthier diet, but don't forget that it's just one tool among many. Listen to your body, vary your food sources, and make informed choices for lasting health.
References
- Santé Publique France: Nutri-Score, the official guide
- Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FVOV): Adoption of Nutri-Score in Switzerland
- European Union : Directive on food labelling
