Researchers tested whether adjusting the Nutri-Score food label to account for how filling foods are would improve its accuracy, but found it created more problems than it solved. The adjusted system changed ratings for 22% of foods, making some unhealthy high-calorie treats look healthier while making some nutritious low-calorie meals look worse. The current Nutri-Score remains a reliable tool for comparing foods at the grocery store
Scientists tested whether changing how the Nutri-Score food label works could make it better at rating the healthiness of foods. The Nutri-Score is a letter grade system (A through E) that helps shoppers pick healthier foods at the store. Researchers in Norway looked at over 25,000 food products and tried adjusting the scoring system to account for how filling or heavy foods are. While the new approach helped rate some foods more fairly, it also created problems with other foods, making high-calorie treats look healthier than they should. The study suggests the current Nutri-Score works pretty well overall, though scientists think there might be ways to improve it in the future.
Key Statistics
A 2026 analysis of 25,813 food products from Norwegian grocery databases found that adjusting the Nutri-Score for energy density changed the letter grades for 22% of foods, but created unfavorable side effects that made the system less reliable overall
The energy-adjusted Nutri-Score made high-calorie foods like cakes and pastries receive more favorable ratings in the 2026 research analysis, potentially misleading shoppers about the healthiness of these treats
In a 2026 study of 25,813 food products, the adjusted Nutri-Score reduced the ability to distinguish between low-fat and full-fat versions of the same product, making it harder for shoppers to identify healthier options
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether changing the Nutri-Score food rating system to account for how heavy or filling foods are would make it better at showing which foods are actually healthy
- Who participated: A computer analysis of 25,813 different food products from Norwegian grocery store databases, including everything from ready-to-eat meals to cakes and pastries
- Key finding: The adjusted scoring system changed how 22% of foods were rated, but it created new problems: it made some unhealthy high-calorie foods look better while making some healthy low-calorie meals look worse
- What it means for you: The current Nutri-Score label you see in stores is still a reliable way to compare foods, though scientists continue working on ways to make it even more helpful. Don’t expect major changes to food labels anytime soon based on this research
The Research Details
Researchers used computer databases containing information about 25,813 food products sold in Norway. They created a new version of the Nutri-Score algorithm that adjusted scores based on energy density, which is a fancy way of saying how many calories are packed into each bite of food. They then compared how this new adjusted system rated foods compared to the current Nutri-Score system used in stores today.
The study was a proof-of-concept evaluation, meaning the scientists were testing whether the idea could work in theory before recommending it for real-world use. They looked at different food categories separately, including ready-to-eat meals, cakes, pastries, and other products, to see how the adjustment affected different types of foods differently.
This type of research is important because food labels need to accurately reflect nutritional quality so shoppers can make informed choices. By testing changes on a large database before implementing them, scientists can predict potential problems before they affect millions of people’s food choices.
The current Nutri-Score rates foods based on their nutrition per 100 grams or 100 milliliters, which can be misleading for foods that people eat in large quantities because they’re not very filling. For example, a ready-to-eat meal might have good nutrition per 100 grams, but if people eat 400 grams of it, they’re getting four times the calories. This research matters because it tests whether accounting for portion sizes and how filling foods are could make the label more accurate and helpful for real-world eating patterns.
This study used a large, real-world database of actual food products rather than theoretical examples, which makes the findings more relevant to what shoppers actually encounter. However, the research was conducted only on Norwegian food products, so the results might be different in other countries where foods and eating habits vary. The study was transparent about both the benefits and problems with the adjusted system, which shows scientific honesty. The main limitation is that this was a computer analysis rather than a study where actual people used the new labels and made food choices, so we don’t know if the changes would actually help real shoppers eat healthier
What the Results Show
When researchers applied the energy-adjusted Nutri-Score to the 25,813 food products, they found that 22% of foods received different letter grades compared to the current system. This might sound like a big change, but it revealed both helpful and unhelpful shifts in how foods were rated.
For low-energy-density foods like ready-to-eat meals, the new system created more variation in scores, which was the goal. These foods showed more nuanced ratings that better reflected their actual nutritional quality. However, this came with a downside: healthy low-calorie meals received worse scores, while some less healthy options received better scores under the new system.
For high-energy-density foods like cakes and pastries, the adjusted system actually made these foods look healthier than they did under the current Nutri-Score. This is a significant problem because it could mislead shoppers into thinking unhealthy treats are better choices than they actually are. Additionally, the new system made it harder to distinguish between low-fat and full-fat versions of the same product, which is important information for shoppers trying to make healthier choices.
The research revealed that the energy-adjusted approach worked differently depending on the type of food. Ready-to-eat meals, which are often low in calories but large in portion size, showed increased scoring variation, meaning some were rated as healthier and others as less healthy compared to before. This more detailed rating could help shoppers understand these foods better. However, the overall effect was that more ready meals received unfavorable scores, which might not accurately reflect their nutritional value. The study also found that the adjustment reduced the discriminatory ability between products, meaning it became harder to tell the difference between similar foods with different nutritional profiles
According to Gram Research analysis, this study builds on previous concerns about the Nutri-Score’s ability to fairly rate foods with unusual portion sizes or energy density. Earlier research suggested that the current system, which rates foods per 100 grams or milliliters, might not capture the full picture of nutritional quality for foods people eat in large quantities. This research tested one proposed solution but found that simply adjusting for energy density creates new problems rather than solving the original ones. The findings suggest that any changes to the Nutri-Score need to be carefully balanced to avoid creating new unfairness while fixing old ones
This study only looked at food products from Norway, so the results might not apply to foods sold in other countries where products and eating habits are different. The research was a computer analysis rather than a real-world test where actual shoppers used the new labels, so we don’t know if the changes would actually help people make healthier food choices in practice. The study didn’t test whether the adjusted system would help people lose weight, improve their health, or make better decisions at the grocery store. Additionally, the researchers only tested one specific way of adjusting for energy density, so other adjustment methods might work better. The study also didn’t explore how the changes might affect people with different dietary needs, such as athletes who need more calories or people managing specific health conditions
The Bottom Line
Continue using the current Nutri-Score label as a reliable guide when shopping for food (high confidence). The current system is not perfect, but this research shows that the proposed changes would create more problems than they solve. If you’re concerned about portion sizes and calories, use the Nutri-Score along with checking the nutrition facts label on the back of the package, which shows calories per serving (high confidence). Scientists should continue researching ways to improve food labels, but any changes should be tested carefully to make sure they actually help people eat healthier (moderate confidence)
Anyone who uses the Nutri-Score label when shopping for groceries should know that the current system is still a reliable tool. People who eat a lot of ready-to-eat meals might be especially interested in this research, since those foods were a focus of the study. Policymakers and food companies who are considering changes to nutrition labels should pay attention to this research, which shows that well-intentioned changes can have unintended consequences. Parents shopping for their families and people managing their weight should continue using the current Nutri-Score as one tool among several for making healthy food choices
The Nutri-Score label is unlikely to change based on this research in the near future. Food labeling systems are changed slowly and carefully because they affect millions of people’s choices. If scientists do develop an improved version of the Nutri-Score, it would likely take several years of additional research and testing before it’s adopted by stores and governments. In the meantime, the current system remains a useful tool for comparing foods at the grocery store
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nutri-Score label accurate for ready-to-eat meals and frozen dinners?
The current Nutri-Score rates foods fairly well, though it may not fully account for typical portion sizes of ready meals. Check the nutrition facts label on the back for calories per serving to get a complete picture of what you’re actually eating
Will the Nutri-Score food label change soon based on new research?
A 2026 study tested adjusting the Nutri-Score for energy density but found it created new problems. Food labels change slowly and carefully, so major changes are unlikely in the near future based on this research
How should I use the Nutri-Score when comparing similar foods?
Use the letter grade to compare foods in the same category, choosing products closer to A. Combine this with checking the nutrition facts label for calories and ingredients to make the most informed choice
Does the Nutri-Score account for portion sizes when rating foods?
The Nutri-Score rates foods per 100 grams or milliliters, not per typical serving size. For foods you eat in large quantities, check the nutrition facts label to see calories per actual serving
Is the Nutri-Score better than reading the nutrition facts label?
The Nutri-Score is a quick comparison tool, but it works best combined with the nutrition facts label. Use the letter grade to narrow choices, then check the detailed label for calories, sodium, and ingredients
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log the Nutri-Score letter grade (A through E) of foods you eat for one week, then calculate the average grade of your daily diet. Track whether your average grade improves over time as you make healthier choices
- When scanning a food product with the app, compare its Nutri-Score to similar products in the same category. Choose the product with the better letter grade (closer to A) as your default option for that food type
- Set a weekly goal to eat foods that average a B grade or better. Use the app to track your Nutri-Score average each week and watch how it changes as you make different food choices over months
This research is a computer analysis of food databases and does not constitute medical or dietary advice. The Nutri-Score is a helpful tool for comparing foods, but should not be your only source of nutrition information. Always consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially if you have specific health conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, health status, and other factors. This article summarizes scientific research but does not replace professional medical guidance
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.