Nutri-Score

Nutritional labelling in Europe and implications for the canned food industry

Food labelling | Updated 12 November 2026

Nutri-Score is a voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme used in several European markets. This independent guide explains its A–E scale, calculation principles and practical implications for manufacturers and exporters of canned foods.

A to E

Five nutritional classes

Voluntary

Not mandatory EU-wide

B2B

Producers and exporters

Important: Nutri-Score does not replace the mandatory nutrition declaration or other applicable food labelling requirements. Consult official national guidance before applying the logo.

What is Nutri-Score?How is Nutri-Score calculated?The updated Nutri-Score algorithm What does Nutri-Score mean for canned foods?Nutri-Score and European food labelling Benefits, limitations and debate Practical checklist for manufacturers Frequently asked questions Official sources and further reading

What is Nutri-Score?

Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack nutrition labelling system designed to help consumers compare the overall nutritional composition of foods. It displays a five-level scale from A (dark green) to E (dark orange/red), calculated using a defined nutritional profiling algorithm.

Developed in France and used in several European markets, Nutri-Score supplements rather than replaces the mandatory nutrition declaration required under EU food information rules.

Regulatory distinction: Nutri-Score is not a general EU-wide mandatory label. Businesses should verify the current rules and registration requirements in each market where they intend to use it.

How is Nutri-Score calculated?

For most foods, the score is calculated from nutritional data expressed per 100 g; beverages use their applicable calculation rules. The methodology considers components to limit, such as energy, sugars, saturated fat and salt, alongside favourable components under the applicable algorithm, such as fibre, protein and certain food-group ingredients.

Specific categories, including beverages, fats and oils, and cheeses, may be subject to particular calculation rules. Manufacturers should use the current official documentation and calculator rather than rely on simplified online examples.

The updated Nutri-Score algorithm

An updated Nutri-Score algorithm has been introduced across participating countries according to their respective implementation timetables. The changes refine the way nutritional composition is assessed, including the treatment of salt, sugars, fibre and certain product categories.

Because implementation dates and transition provisions differ between countries, manufacturers should confirm the applicable version and any transition arrangements with the competent authority before changing packaging or communicating a score.

What does Nutri-Score mean for canned foods?

Preserved foods cover diverse recipes and preservation media. A Nutri-Score result cannot be assigned to an entire product category without considering the individual product's nutritional declaration and the applicable calculation rules.

Canned vegetables & legumes

Salt content, fibre and recipe formulation can influence scores. Products in brine may differ from low-salt alternatives.

Canned fish & seafood

Oil, brine and other packing media can affect the nutritional declaration; the exact calculation depends on the product as marketed.

Tomatoes & prepared sauces

Plain tomatoes, concentrates and prepared sauces can have substantially different nutritional profiles, especially where salt or other ingredients are added.

Canned fruit

Fruit packed in water, juice or syrup may differ in sugar content and therefore in the information used for scoring.

These examples illustrate relevant formulation factors; they are not predictions of a product's Nutri-Score grade.

Nutri-Score and European food labelling

Nutri-Score has been adopted or supported in a number of European countries, but national arrangements are not identical. The EU has not established Nutri-Score as a compulsory, harmonised front-of-pack label for all food products.

Companies exporting across borders should distinguish between EU-wide mandatory labelling requirements, national frameworks for voluntary front-of-pack schemes and the Nutri-Score brand's terms of use.

Benefits, limitations and debate

Supporters view Nutri-Score as a quick, accessible way to compare the nutritional composition of products, particularly within similar food categories. Critics question whether a single summary grade can sufficiently represent portion sizes, processing, traditional foods and the wider role of a product in a balanced diet.

Nutri-Score is a nutritional profiling tool, not a complete assessment of food quality, food safety, sustainability or the overall healthfulness of an individual's diet. The page does not endorse either side of the policy debate.

Practical checklist for manufacturers

Identify the countries in which the product will be sold and check the current local framework.
Use verified nutritional values and the current official scoring methodology.
Check any product-category-specific rules and the declaration basis for foods in packing media.
Review trademark registration, graphic specifications and conditions of use before printing packaging.
Recalculate scores when recipes or relevant specifications change.
Keep evidence supporting the declared nutritional values and the calculation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nutri-Score mandatory in the European Union?

No. It is not an EU-wide mandatory front-of-pack nutrition label. Check current national requirements and the scheme's terms before use.

Can a canned food product receive an A grade?

Potentially, yes. The grade depends on the specific product's composition and the applicable algorithm, not simply on whether it is canned.

Does Nutri-Score replace the nutrition declaration?

No. It is intended as complementary front-of-pack information, not a replacement for mandatory nutrition labelling.

Can manufacturers calculate their own grade?

Manufacturers can calculate a grade using the official methodology, but should verify the rules, registration process and trademark requirements before displaying it on packaging.

Official sources and further reading

Editorial note: This page is general information for food-industry professionals, not legal or nutritional advice. Regulatory frameworks, calculation guidance and national implementation dates can change; consult official authorities for current requirements.