The Nutri-Score in the German perception: A qualitative expert-based study of front-of-pack visual nudging and consumer behaviour

The Nutri-Score is currently used in 7 countries in the EU and is part of the German reduction and innovation strategy to combat non-communicable diseases related to unhealthy eating. The Nutri-Score is intended to inform consumers and serves as a guide when buying packaged food. The aim of this study is to investigate the significance, benefits, function and credibility of the Nutri-Score in Germany from the perspective of nutrition experts, business representatives from food companies, packaging experts and general consumers. A qualitative method was selected for the evaluation and a survey was conducted with the help of expert interviews with 23 industry experts on their personal opinion of the Nutri-Score. The qualitative method allowed the research questions to be considered from the perspective of different experts and two-sided responses showed that the answers varied depending on the professional background of the experts. In summary, it can be said that the Nutri-Score can be used as a guide for the average consumer, but there are still some suggestions for improvement, such as the consideration of additional ingredients, the controlling of the label and a fundamental holistic nutritional education.