Proposal to Expand Nutri-Score Application to Ready-to-Eat Protein Supplements

[baslia]

The current Nutri-Score system, while effective for a wide range of food products, has a notable blind spot: ready-to-eat protein supplements like protein bars, drinks, and snacks. These items are often marketed as healthy or performance-enhancing but can vary significantly in their nutritional composition, particularly in sugar, saturated fat, and salt content.

Currently, these products are not subject to Nutri-Score calculation. This can create confusion for consumers who expect a similar level of transparency across all packaged food items.

The Proposed Improvement

My proposal is to amend the Nutri-Score framework to include a new category for "Ready-to-Eat Protein Supplements." This would cover products that are designed for immediate consumption, such as:

• Protein bars
• Ready-to-drink protein shakes and smoothies
• Protein-fortified snacks and cookies

This change would allow consumers to easily compare the nutritional quality of these products against each other and against other everyday food items.

Rationale and Benefits

1. Increased Consumer Transparency: Applying Nutri-Score to these products would provide a clear, standardized label that helps consumers make more informed choices, moving beyond marketing claims.
2. Level Playing Field for Manufacturers: It would encourage manufacturers to improve the nutritional profile of their products by reducing less desirable ingredients and increasing beneficial ones, fostering a more competitive and health-conscious market.
3. Addresses a Gap in the Current System: This amendment would close a significant loophole, ensuring that products commonly consumed as part of a daily diet are subject to the same nutritional scrutiny as other packaged foods.

Implementation and Exclusions

The new rule would not apply to protein supplements that are not sold in a ready-to-eat format. This includes:

• Protein powders (for mixing in a shaker)
• Protein capsules or tablets
• Other raw or bulk protein products

The reasoning for this exclusion is that Nutri-Score is designed for pre-packaged, final products. The nutritional value of powders and similar items depends on how they are prepared by the consumer (e.g., what they are mixed with).

This refined approach ensures that Nutri-Score remains relevant and useful for consumers without being applied to products where the final nutritional profile is not yet determined.

Let me know what you think!