Reading the Nutri-Score

The short version, in a video

In the aisle, in three steps

1. 1

   Stay on the same shelf

   A letter means something next to another product of the same kind. The grade was designed to compare a breakfast cereal with another breakfast cereal, a pizza with another pizza. From one shelf to the next, it says much less.

   Santé publique France, official questions and answers, version of 17 March 2025: “the aim of the Nutri-Score is to enable products to be compared within the same category/shelf”. Official Nutri-Score page

   In the Invoc app. Invoc places each product in a comparison group made of products of the same category, and shows its position in that group.

2. 2

   Then compare the letters

   On one shelf the grades often run from A to E. Between two products you are hesitating over, the letter closer to A has the better nutritional profile for that kind of product.

   Santé publique France, Manger Bouger (in French): « au rayon céréales du petit déjeuner, les scores varient entre A et E ». Le Nutri-Score pour mieux manger en un coup d’œil

   In the Invoc app. The app shows the product’s letter on the A to E scale, as it appears in its Open Food Facts record, where it is computed with the official method. Invoc does not recalculate it and does not alter it. Invoc shows no mark of its own: only the product’s position among comparable products.

3. 3

   Then look past the letter

   The Nutri-Score grades nutrition and nothing else. It does not count additives, how processed a product is, or pesticides. Its own publisher says so. The first two can be read in the ingredient list.

   Santé publique France, Manger Bouger (in French): « il ne prend pas en compte les additifs, le degré de transformation et la présence de pesticides ». Le Nutri-Score pour mieux manger en un coup d’œil

   In the Invoc app. Next to the Nutri-Score, the app shows the NOVA group, from 1 (unprocessed or minimally processed) to 4 (ultra-processed), and the number of additives found in the ingredient list. When at least 5 products share them, a product is ranked only among products of the same letter, the same NOVA group and the same additive bucket (0, 1, 2, 3 and more). Pesticide residues are not printed on a label, and Invoc does not show them.

Two things to keep in mind

It is calculated for 100 g or 100 ml. It does not know how much of the product you eat. Invoc also shows values per 100 g: the portion stays your call. And whatever the letter, eating in moderation and with variety remains the healthiest way.

It is not a verdict. In its publisher’s words, the objective is not to separate “good” foods from “bad” foods. The position Invoc shows is no verdict either: it describes a product next to comparable ones. It is not medical or dietary advice.

Further reading

• Santé publique FranceNutri-ScoreThe official Nutri-Score page, with the questions and answers document.
• Santé publique France, Manger BougerLe Nutri-Score pour mieux manger en un coup d’œilHow to use it, and what it does not take into account. In French.
• Open Food FactsNova groups for food processingThe four NOVA groups, explained.
• Open Food FactsCompare the nutrition quality of food products with the Nutri-Score!What goes into the grade.
• European Food Safety AuthorityFood additivesWhat an additive is, E numbers, and who assesses them in Europe.