Nutri-Score Identified as Most Effective Nutrition Label for Saudi Consumers, Study Finds
A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health indicates that the Nutri-Score front-of-pack nutrition labeling system is the most effective at helping Saudi consumers understand and select healthier food options. researchers conducted a trial comparing Nutri-Score’s performance against other labeling formats, including Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA).
The study revealed that participants utilizing the Nutri-score system were nearly six times more likely to accurately rank food products based on their healthiness compared to those presented with no labeling at all. Conversely, GDA – characterized as the most information-dense format - demonstrated the weakest performance in aiding comprehension.
Beyond overall effectiveness, the research highlighted the influence of demographic factors.Individuals with higher levels of education and those already maintaining a healthier diet showed greater improvements in food choices when presented with labels. However, younger participants and those with lower incomes benefited less, suggesting existing disparities in nutritional understanding.
A notable awareness gap was also identified, with 22% of participants reporting no prior knowledge of food labels and one-third lacking awareness of recommended daily calorie intake. This finding underscores the need for extensive educational initiatives alongside any labeling policy implementation to ensure consumers can effectively interpret and utilize the provided information.
based on these results, the researchers recommend that Saudi policymakers adopt Nutri-Score as a national standard. Its demonstrated success in the trial, coupled with positive outcomes in countries like France, Germany, and Belgium, positions it as a strong candidate for the Saudi context. Implementing Nutri-Score could contribute to healthier food environments and potentially alleviate the long-term strain on the saudi healthcare system, especially given the nation’s existing public health challenges.
The adoption of Nutri-score is also expected to encourage product reformulation by food manufacturers, who may adjust recipes to achieve more favorable scores and improve the nutritional profile of their products.
For industry stakeholders, a shift to Nutri-Score presents both opportunities and challenges. Manufacturers may need to invest in reformulation or emphasize beneficial ingredients like fiber and protein. Retailers could further support the initiative through strategic shelf placement, in-store promotions, and digital marketing campaigns focused on higher-rated products. The potential adoption of Nutri-Score in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to be closely monitored by industry representatives, as it could align the country with international best practices and potentially influence labeling policies in other gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health - “Comparing the influence of front-of-pack nutrition labels on Saudi consumers’ understanding and food selection” (https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1527531)
Authors: Alaa Ashraf AlQurashi, et al.
