The potential of Nutri-Score to discriminate foods according to environmental impact

Nutri-Score aims to aid consumers in making informed food choices based on nutritional quality. To guide consumers regarding both the nutritional quality and environmental impact of foods, it would be beneficial when Nutri-Score could also discriminate foods by environmental impact. This study investigated the association of Nutri-Score with the environmental impact indicators greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and blue water consumption.

Nutri-Score classifications were calculated for generic foods of the Dutch Food Composition Database, combined with GHG emissions (kg CO₂ equivalents) and blue water consumption (m³) of foods using the Dutch Life Cycle Assessment Food database (n = 1,611). Spearman correlations were calculated between Nutri-Score (expressed as the numerical final score and as points for algorithm components) and the environmental impact indicators. This was performed by Nutri-Score algorithm (i.e. general foods, added fats, nuts and seeds, and beverages) and food group. Selected food groups were studied further.

Nutri-Score (final score) correlated significantly with GHG emissions for general foods (r = 0.29), added fats, nuts and seeds (r = 0.25), and negatively with blue water consumption for added fats, nuts and seeds (r=-0.51). Saturated fatty acids and protein were significantly correlated with GHG emissions (r = 0.52 and r = 0.43) for general foods, and some general food groups with GHG emissions and blue water consumption, namely bread (r = 0.60 and r = 0.53) and savoury sauces (r = 0.52 and r = 0.53).

Currently, Nutri-Score's ability to discriminate foods according to environmental impact is limited. To use Front-of-Pack labeling to guide consumers on both nutritional quality and environmental impact, exploration of revisions to Nutri-Score or the use of additional tools is needed.