Five years after the voluntary introduction of the Nutri-Score nutrition label in Germany, a majority of consumers now support making it mandatory, according to a survey. At the same time, only a minority currently use the label frequently or very frequently when shopping, the consumer organization Foodwatch reported on Wednesday. Foodwatch noted that this is unsurprising, as the Nutri-Score is still only found on a limited number of products in supermarkets.
"This makes it almost impossible to compare different products," Foodwatch criticized. According to the survey, almost all consumers (91%) are familiar with the Nutri-Score. "But as long as only isolated products in the supermarket are labeled with it, the traffic light system cannot unfold its positive effect," explained Luise Molling of the consumer organization.
Molling added that even in 2025, customers would not be able to quickly compare which frozen meal, breakfast cereal, or bread is the healthiest. "Only when all manufacturers, from junk food companies to organic producers, clearly display the Nutri-Score will it be truly practical for shopping," she said.
The five-level scale, with colors and letters ranging from dark green A to dark red E, provides a comparison of foods within the same product group. Sugar and fat negatively affect the rating, while fiber and the proportion of fruit and vegetables have a positive impact.
The former Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Julia Klöckner (CDU), officially introduced the Nutri-Score in Germany in November 2020, though on a voluntary basis. Since then, Foodwatch reports that of around 6,000 companies in Germany, approximately 960 companies with 1,420 brands have adopted the nutrition label.
According to the survey, 61% of consumers support mandatory labeling of food with the Nutri-Score. Only 31% currently use it frequently or very frequently while shopping. However, only 12% clearly reject it, which Foodwatch described as "a high untapped potential." The survey was conducted online in August on behalf of Foodwatch, with 1,103 people aged 16 and older, by the agency Zühlsdorf and Partner, specialized in food marketing and consumer research.
Foodwatch emphasizes that the Nutri-Score is the most understandable form of nutrition labeling and allows consumers to choose healthier products as easily as possible. Considering the widespread prevalence of diet-related diseases, making the label mandatory could be an important step "to curb the explosion of healthcare costs and make healthy eating easier for the general population," the organization explained.
Foodwatch also made an appeal to the federal government: Minister of Food and Agriculture Alois Rainer (CSU) must "make the consumer-friendly traffic light labeling mandatory," Molling urged.
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