Understanding Nutri-Score and NOVA Categories

Ever feel lost in the supermarket aisle, trying to make sense of food labels? Well, understanding Nutri-Score and NOVA Categories can help you to make more informed choices.

Nutri-score is a front-of-pack labeling system, predominantly used in Europe, that assigns a letter grade (A to E) and a corresponding color (dark green to dark orange) to food products. 'A' (dark green) signifies the healthiest option, while 'E' (dark orange) indicates the least healthy. This score is calculated based on a product's nutritional composition per 100g or 100ml, considering beneficial components like fiber, protein, fruits, and vegetables, against less desirable ones such as sugar, saturated fat, and salt. It’s designed for quick, at-a-glance comparison.

Nutri-Score Scale

NOVA categories, on the other hand, classify foods based on their degree of processing, not their nutrient content. There are four NOVA groups:

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, plain yogurt).

Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients (e.g., salt, sugar, oils).

Group 3: Processed Foods (e.g., canned vegetables, cheeses, freshly baked bread).

Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) (e.g., sodas, packaged snacks, most ready meals).

While Nutri-Score helps you compare the nutritional quality of products (e.g., two types of breakfast cereals), NOVA encourages awareness of how much a food has been altered from its natural state. Ideally, a healthy diet prioritizes foods from NOVA Group 1, with limited consumption of Group 4.

The nocals app allows you to track both Nutri-Score and NOVA category simply by taking a picture of each meal. You can then monitor your scores over time to see how your diet is trending.