Have you ever looked at the Nutri-Score on a package without really knowing what to make of it? You’re not alone. Behind those colored letters lies a simple logic—but one that’s still poorly understood by most consumers in Switzerland.
What exactly is Nutri-Score?
Nutri-Score is a rating system developed in France and gradually being adopted in several European countries, including Switzerland. It rates foods from A (dark green) to E (red) based on their nutritional profile per 100 g or 100 ml of product.
It takes into account:
- Cons: calories, sugar, saturated fat, salt
- Highlights: fiber, protein, and the proportion of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and vegetable oils
The more the positives outweigh the negatives, the better the letter. It’s as simple as that.
What Nutri-Score Says—and What It Doesn't Say
Nutri-Score is useful for comparing products within the same category. A B-rated cheese is better than a D-rated cheese. A C-rated pizza is more balanced than an E-rated pizza.
But watch out for two common pitfalls:
1. Comparing categories doesn't work. Soda A (flavored sparkling water) isn't "better" than olive oil B. The score is relative to the category.
2. The score doesn’t tell the whole story when it comes to quality. An ultra-processed product can earn a B simply because it contains added fiber. A truly whole food might be rated a C simply because it’s high in natural fats (nuts, avocados, artisanal cheese).
Use this as a general guideline, not as an absolute truth.
How to Read the Entire Label in 30 Seconds
If you want to go beyond the letter, here are the key points to consider:
- Ingredients: the shorter the list, the better. The first ingredients listed are present in the highest quantities.
- Sugars: less than 5 g per 100 g is reasonable.
- Salt: Aim for less than 0.6 g per 100 g in a prepared dish.
- Protein: A balanced meal provides at least 15 grams per serving.
No need to go over everything in detail every time. With a little practice, this scan takes 20 seconds.
What this means in practical terms for everyday meals
The real problem isn't knowing how to read a label—it's finding the time to cook meals that meet those criteria without spending your whole evening doing it.
That’s exactly what Weekly Food is here to solve: fresh, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door in Switzerland, made with transparent ingredients and balanced portions. Ready in 3 minutes, no subscription required. You order when you need it—it’s that simple.
In summary
| What Nutri-Score Does Well | What it doesn't do |
|---|---|
| Compare similar products | Ensure that no processing has taken place |
| Provide a quick reference | Reflect the quality of the ingredients |
| Identify products to avoid | Tailored to your specific needs |
Nutri-Score is just one tool among many. When used in conjunction with a basic understanding of ingredient lists, it helps you make better choices—without having to become a nutritionist.
Want to eat a balanced diet during the week without spending a lot of time on it? Check out Weekly Food meals at weekly-food.ch.
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