This week, “Our Daily” discusses the Nutriscore, a labeling system that has appeared on many of our supermarket products. The system consists of five letters from A to E, each with its own color, and is intended to help consumers make healthier choices. Some consumers rely solely on this system to do their shopping, while others view it with skepticism. The Nutriscore evaluates the content of products in nutrients that should be favored, such as proteins or fibers, as well as bad nutrients like salt, sugar, or saturated fatty acids. However, the system has its limits and does not take into account certain factors like the degree of transformation of the product, additives, or coloring. Julie Frère, spokesperson for Test Achats, recommends supplementing the Nutriscore system by looking at the composition of the products. The Nutriscore could encourage manufacturers to improve their recipes and favor white meats over red meats or wholemeal breads over white breads. The article ends with a list of tags related to the discussion of the Nutriscore and diet.
This week, “Our Daily” takes us on a discovery of the Nutriscore, these colored letters written on most of our products in the supermarket. What do they mean? Are they a real reflex to adopt to eat better?
On the packages of our products, for a few years now, a labeling system has appeared: the Nutriscore. Five letters, from “A” to “E” and each one its color. An indicator that has become essential for some consumers. “It still gives a good reference on the quality of the product”, says Michel, particularly attentive to the composition of the food he buys. Some even rely solely on this Nutriscore to do their shopping: “A, B, C and then I don’t take anymore”, entrusts this lady to the microphone of RTL info. For another supermarket customer, the letters after C are to be avoided: “It seems heavy to digest, not very good for your health”she believes.
According to a study published by the University of Antwerp this year, half of consumers opt for healthier products.
Some of them, however, remain skeptical about this notation, which they consider random. “I happen to have crisps and it’s written B, so it makes me laugh anyway!”laughs a customer while another buyer thinks that if the products are in store, it’s because“we can eat them”regardless of their letter.
What do these Nutriscore letters actually mean?
This Nutriscore actually makes it possible to evaluate the content of products in nutrients to be favored such as proteins or fibers, and bad nutrients such as salt, sugar or saturated fatty acids.
A rating system that has its limits. For Julie Frère, spokesperson for Test Achats, the Nutriscore is “interesting tool” more “not enough“since“it does not take into account the degree of transformation of the product”. The presence of additives or coloring is not counted in the Nutriscore. Julie Frère therefore advises supplementing this system by looking, often at the back of the packaging, at the composition of the products.
Change recipes
The evolution of the Nutriscore will favor white meats over red meats, or wholemeal breads over white breads, for example. This scale could encourage manufacturers to improve their recipes.
In conclusion, while the Nutriscore may not be perfect, it is still a useful tool for consumers who want to make healthier choices when grocery shopping. It is important to keep in mind its limitations and to also check the composition of products for any additives or colorings that may not be taken into account by the rating system. As the Nutriscore continues to evolve and favor healthier options, it may also encourage manufacturers to improve their recipes. By being informed about the food we eat, we can make more informed decisions for ourselves and our families.