According to a new study, Nutri-Score would move the lines. To obtain a good mark, manufacturers would in fact reduce the quantity of salt, sugar and fat in their products.
Good news for all Nutri-Score aficionados: the famous five-level nutritional labeling system not only helps consumers make the right choices but it would also encourage manufacturers to change their practices. In other words, by leading them to favor better ingredients.
Less sugar, salt and bad fats
For this study, published in the European Review of Agricultural Economics, thousands of references to industrial cereals, chips and popcorn were closely observed.
The researchers then compared these 3 ultra-processed foods to the same products marketed in the United Kingdom or Italy. A detail which is important because these two countries do not yet have the Nutri-Score.
Result ? French cereals, chips and popcorn are, from a nutritional point of view, better for your health.
“Compared to other countries, there is a reduction in sugar, salt and saturated fatty acids in Europe., confirms Chantal Julia, professor of nutrition at Sorbonne Paris-Nord University, to our colleagues at Europe Inter. “There has also been an increase in the proportion of fiber or protein in these products. This suggests that it is linked to the introduction of Nutri-Score.”
An overall progression in scores
If some nutrition experts consider the Nutri-Score “insufficient” (the nutri-score does not note the degree of processing of the food nor the presence or absence of additives and/or pesticides present), it is clear that he led industrialists to progress.
Thanks to the work carried out, scientists have indeed noted a progression in the Scores, with better grades over the years. Which means that the Nutri-Score is moving the lines and has a positive influence on the health of the French.
“The display of the Nutri-Score will mainly affect consumers who are interested in questions of nutrition and health, while the in-depth changes to the food offering will affect all consumers, including those who have a priori, are not aware of these issues of nutrition and health“, reveals Chantal Julia.
An encouraging study, at a time when 69% of products sold in French supermarkets display the famous nutritional labeling system.
