Adherence
The Nutri-Score front-of-pack labeling system fails to identify unhealthy ultra-processed foods because it evaluates only nutrient composition and ignores the degree of food processing.
Do not rely solely on the Nutri-Score letter (A-E) to judge if a food is healthy. A product can receive an 'A' rating for nutrients but still be an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) with additives and low nutritional value in terms of food matrix. Look for the degree of processing (NOVA classification) alongside or instead of Nutri-Score to make better choices.
The Nutri-Score front-of-pack label has several contradictions, since it does not cover all the health dimensions of the food, as we have seen in this study with the degree of food processing.
Why this rating
Based on a large observational database (n=9931) with clear statistical cross-tabulation, though it is an ecological analysis of labels, not a clinical trial.
Source
Two Dimensions of Nutritional Value: Nutri-Score and NOVA
Carmen Romero et al. · Nutrients · 2021
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →