Nutri-Score 2024: New method and how to make healthy food choices
Introduction: Nutri-Score, an improved system for a healthier diet
You have surely already found yourself in front of a supermarket shelf, to hesitate between several food products, asking you which is the "best" for your health. The taste quality inevitably plays a key role in your decisions, but what about the nutritional aspect? This is where the Nutri-Score comes into play! Designed to help consumers choose healthier foods, this small colorful logo simplifies the comparison of food products.
Since its introduction to France in 2017, the Nutri-Score has won over other European countries and has been adopted in Switzerland in 2019, following the recommendations of theFederal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV). But the big news for 2024 is that this system has been improved in order to better reflect the current nutritional recommendations.
In this article, we will explain to you what these changes consist of, why they are important for your health, and how to use Nutri-Score to make more enlightened food choices. You will also discover how very good, with its commitment to nutrition transparency, is part of this approach.
How the Nutri-Score works: simple explanations to understand the notes a to e
Nutri-score is a rating system that classifies food according to their nutritional quality on a scale from HAS has E, associated with a color code ranging from green (healthiest) to red (to be consumed in moderation). This score is determined according to an algorithm which assesses both the positive elements of a food (such as the presence of fibers, proteins, or fruits and vegetables) and the elements to be limited (like saturated fats, THE Salt, sugar, and calories).
The score is calculated for 100g or 100ml of product, which allows a quick and easy comparison between similar products. For example, you can quickly compare two types of yogurts or cereals thanks to this system.
The calculation of the Nutri-Score: an algorithm based on some key elements
To assess a product, the Nutri-Score algorithm attributes positive points for beneficial nutrients like:
- The fibers.
- Proteins.
- Fruits, vegetables and Nuts.
On the other hand, it attributes negative points for the elements to be limited such as:
- The calories.
- Saturated fats.
- Sugar.
- THE Salt.
The total points then determines the letter allocated to the product. The lower the scoring, the better the Nutri-Score (close to A), the higher the score, the more the product must be consumed in moderation (close to E).
What are the new features of Nutri-Score in 2024?
1 - Taking into account sweeteners in drinks
One of the major changes in the Nutri-Score 2024 is taking into account artificial sweeteners in drinks. So far, the latter have not been really integrated into the calculation. Beverages containing sweeteners are now better assessed, in order to reflect recent research on their potential health impact. Studies show that sweeteners can disrupt metabolism, influence weight gain and increase the risk of certain diseases. Thus, even “light” drinks will no longer be automatically perceived as "harmless".
2 - Improvement of scores for fatty fish and oils rich in good fats
Fat fish such as mackerel or trout, as well as oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids (such as olive or rapeseed oil), now benefit from better scores. These foods are rich in omega-3 and other fatty acids beneficial for the heart, blood circulation, and brain functioning. This update makes it possible to better reflect their positive impact on health.
3 -Best classification of full flour products
Complete flour products, such as bread and complete pasta, now get better scores. Rich in essential fibers and nutrients, these foods are associated with a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This modification encourages the consumption of these products, which are often underestimated.
4 - Impact on too sweet or savory products
Products containing excessive amounts of sugar or Salt See their score penalized in 2024. In response to increasing concerns about obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, these adjustments aim to make consumers aware 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 Nutri-Score is its simplicity. You don't need to be a nutrition expert to understand the logo. At a glance, it is possible to determine which product is healthier. This is particularly useful for families and parents wishing to offer more balanced food to their children.
2 - A quick and efficient comparison tool
Faced with two similar products, such as two cereal brands, the Nutri-Score allows a quick comparison. You can instantly choose the most balanced, without having to spend hours reading and decrypt labels.
3 - A guide to better balance your meals
Nutri-score is not intended to prohibit certain foods, but rather to help better balance your meals. A product noted C or D is not necessarily to be banned, but it can be consumed in moderation in the context of a more balanced global diet.
The limits of the Nutri-Score: what you need to know for a balanced diet
1 - Comparison within the same category
It is essential to keep in mind that the Nutri-Score only compares similar products. Compare the Nutri-Score with an olive oil to that of a yogurt does not make sense, because their nutritional compositions and therefore their contributions are radically different. This system is above all a comparison tool within the same category of food.
2 - Ultra -transformed products
Nutri-score does not assess the degree of food processing. Thus, ultra-transformed products, containing additives or preservatives, can obtain a favorable Nutri-score (A or B), while more natural products, but rich in calories or fats, can be less well rated. This lack of taking into account the degree of transformation is one of the main criticisms addressed to the Nutri-Score.
3 - Absence of essential micronutrients
Nutri-score does not take into account the presence of certain important micronutrients such as vitamins, calcium, iron or omega-3. A product can therefore be poorly noted despite the presence of these essential nutrients.
4 - Size of portions not considered
The Nutri-Score is based on a calculation per 100g or 100ml, without taking into account the size of the portions as sold or consumed. This can sometimes mislead consumers on the “healthy” quantity to consume.
5 - Adaptation to individual needs
Nutri-score does not take into account the nutritional needs specific to each individual, which vary according to age, sex, 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 good adopts the nutri-score and promotes healthy diet
At the house of very good, we made the choice to display the Nutri-Score on all our dishes. We believe firmly in nutritional transparency and have designed our dishes so that they are not only good, but also balanced. However, our commitment goes beyond labeling: our dishes are craftsmanship and do not contain any additives or conservatives. Thanks to jar pasteurization, our meals have a long shelf life, without compromising their quality.
However, we do not claim that all our dishes are noted A or B (which would constitute a big challenge!). Some, like the black olive tapenade, obtain a note from C or D, but that does not mean that you should avoid them. Indeed, our approach is based on the idea that eating healthy does not mean depriving itself of taste pleasures. We are convinced that it is possible to adopt a balanced diet while enjoying authentic flavors, even if certain foods should be consumed 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 always be integrated into a globally healthy diet. In other words, we give you the information you need to make these choices in all conscience, but we also know that diversity andUnderstanding your specific needs are the keys to a good diet. Our mission is to offer you dishes that help you in this process, without forcing you to deprive yourself of your favorite foods.
To eat well, without depriving yourself. 😉
Adopt Nutri-Score on a daily basis: how to better compose your meals
To integrate Nutri-Score into your daily food choices, here are some practical tips to better balance your meals:
1 - Bet on products with a Nutri -Score A or B
When shopping, try to favor foods that have a Nutri-Score A or B, especially for products that you consume regularly like bread, cereals, yogurts or drinks. These products often contain less sugar, saturated fats or Salt, While being rich in beneficial nutrients such as fibers, vitamins and minerals.
2 - Moderate the consumption of products rated C, D or E
Products classified C, D or E should not be banished, but it is preferable to consume them more punctually or in small quantities. For example, if you appreciate a cheese rich in fat noted D, you can always taste 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 for 100g or 100ml of product, without taking into account the size of the portions. Certain foods noted of or e can be consumed in small quantities without significantly affecting the nutritional quality of your meal. So be vigilant to the portions you consume, especially for foods richer in calories, sugar or saturated fats.
4 - Complete your meals with unprocessed foods
Fruits, fresh vegetables, legumes, lean meats and fresh fish often do not have a nutri-score, as they are unprocessed products. However, these foods are naturally good for health and rich in essential nutrients. Do not hesitate to integrate them generously into your meals to balance your dishes and increase the supply of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
The future of Nutri-Score: towards a continuous development for better public health
Nutri-score is a tool that continues to evolve. The adjustments made in 2024 clearly show that this system adapts to new scientific data and the nutritional recommendations of the moment. Hopefully new improvements are emerging in the years to come, in particular to better take into account certain aspects such as food processing, essential micronutrients or the environmental impact of food products.
The objective of the Nutri-Score remains to make nutritional information more accessible and understandable for everyone, in a context where public health problems such as obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases are increasing. It allows consumers to be guided towards healthier choices while raising awareness among manufacturers has the importance of reformulating their products to improve their nutritional quality.
Conclusion: Nutri-Score, an ally for enlightened food choices
Nutri-score has become an essential tool to help you adopt a healthier and balanced diet. And concretely, it is almost the only one. With the modifications introduced in 2024, it becomes even more relevant by more fairly reflecting the nutritional quality of the food that we consume daily.
However, although it is a precious guide, the Nutri-Score does not replace a global and individualized approach to nutrition. Each person has specific needs that depend on many factors (age, sex, 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 you what to eat.
At the house of very good, we 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 and balanced meals. Because to eat well is also to have fun, we encourage you to enjoy each meal, without guilt, but with conscience and according to your needs.
Nutri-score is an ally in your quest for healthier diet, but don't forget that it is only one tool among others. Listen to your body, vary your food sources, and make illuminated choices for sustainable health.
References
- Public health France: Nutri-Score, the official guide
- Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV): Adoption of Nutri-Score in Switzerland
- European Union: Food labeling directive
