Nutri-Score 2023: update since the end of 2023

New algorithm calculation from 31 December 2023

Feb 2024 (update). A new algorithm was applied to the Nutri-Score calculation for new foods placed on the market on 31 December 2023. For foods already on the market, there is a two-year transition period until the end of 2025. The Nutri-Score algorithm was be adapted to implement current scientific findings and to distinguish healthy foods more clearly from unhealthier foods. We provide an overview of the the changes made.

The update aims to achieve the following objectives

Improvement of the classification of fatty fish
Improvement of the differentiation between
- high-fiber whole-grain bread and white bread
- vegetable oils
- products based on their sugar content (especially those with high sugar content)
- products based on their salt content
- red meat compared to poultry
- beverages with respect to their sugar content
Improvement of the differentiation of milk in terms of saturated fatty acids and calorific value, and of milk-based beverages in terms of sugars
Consideration of the use of sweeteners in beverages to align the classification so as not to promote their consumption by the Nutri-Score

What changes will be made to the Nutri-Score?

New food categories with adapted algorithm

Nuts and seeds are in one calculation category with animal and vegetable fats (no longer with general foods as before)
Addition of the category "Red meat"

Adjustments to the algorithm

Adjustments to the algorithm by changing the thresholds, reference values and maximum scores for the scoring scheme of some nutritional values

Negative points (N) are assigned for salt content and not for sodium content as before
Adjustment of the total point ranges for classification in Nutri-Score A - E of the categories "General Foods" and "Beverages" and introduction of a total point scale for "Animal and vegetable fats, nuts and seeds" for A – E
Adjustments to thresholds and maximum points using the "General Foods" category as an example: the distribution of points for salt and sugar content as well as protein and fiber content were adjusted.
- Salt & sugar: higher possible maximum points and lower thresholds for the respective points.
- Protein & fiber: higher threshold values for the respective points
- Protein: higher possible maximum points
Adjustments to thresholds and maximum points using the "Beverages" category as an example:
- Sugar: lower thresholds for the respective points
- Salt: higher possible maximum points and lower thresholds for the respective points (change analogous to general food)
- New: four N-points for presence of certain sweeteners
- Caloric value & dietary fiber: higher thresholds for the respective points
- Proteins: higher possible maximum score and lower thresholds for the respective points
- Fruits & vegetables: lower possible maximum score.

Adjustments to the considered nutritional values in the category "Animal and vegetable fats, nuts and seeds"

The previously considered "Energy" is replaced by "Energy from saturates" (= saturates (g/100g) * 37 kJ/g).

Change of considered ingredients or nutrients

Change of considered ingredients or nutrients in the category "Animal and vegetable fats, nuts and seeds".

In the "Fruits, vegetables and legumes" component, oils of the fruits or vegetables allowed for this component are also taken into account (e.g. oil from avocado or olives).

Change of components

Component "Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and rapeseed, walnut and olive oils" is changed to "Fruits, vegetables, and legumes"

Nuts and special oils are no longer included in this positive component.

Adaptation of the rules to consider the protein content

"Red meat": protein content can result in max. 2 points for the positive component (P)
"General food":
- If N < 11: protein content is taken into account for P.
- For N ≥ 11: protein content is not taken into account for P
"Fats, oils, nuts and seeds":
- For N < 7: protein content is taken into account for P
- For N ≥7: protein content is not taken into account for P

Change in classification of beverages

Nutri-Score 2017:

Milk, drinking yogurt, flavoured milk drinks or chocolate milk drinks or cocoa-containing milk drinks with > 80% milk, soups and gazpacho, and plant-based drinks are not classified as beverages for the purpose of Nutri-Score calculation.

Nutri-Score 2023:

Milk, drinking yogurt, flavoured milk drinks or chocolate milk drinks or milk drinks containing cocoa regardless of milk content, and plant-based drinks are classified as beverages for the purpose of Nutri-Score calculation.

Soups and gazpacho are further calculated using the "general food" algorithm.

What companies should keep in mind during the transition period

The regulations for calculating the Nutri-Score 2017 applied until 30 Dec 2023. Due to the transition period and the sale of already produced goods, the same products may be on the market with a different Nutri-Score indication since the end of 2023. Companies should inform consumers about the algorithm used in each case upon request. In addition, companies can also provide information about the version of the Nutri-Score algorithm used by placing a note on the label.

Do you have any questions?

We will be happy to advise you on all aspects of extended labelling and help you with any questions you may have about the Nutri-Score. Please contact your personal account manager or our Nutri-Score expert Susanne Conrad directly.