New Nutri-Score rules in 2026: How food manufacturers can benefit from smart reformulation – with raw materials from Aquapharm
Nutri-Score has long been more than just a "marketing label"—it is considered one of the best-known nutritional labels in many EU countries and helps consumers compare products within a category in terms of their nutritional profile. The calculation rules have since been further developed to make the score more meaningful and nutritionally sound.
SinceJanuary 1, 2026, new, stricter criteria for the Nutri-Score have been binding in the EU: sugar and salt content are weighted more negatively, fiber and protein have a greater influence on a positive rating, and artificial sweeteners lead to additional deductions in the score. At the same time, a more uniform algorithmic assessment is applied to beverages and other product groups.
These changes pose challenges for many food manufacturers: even well-known products can score lower on the Nutri-Score without any changes to the recipe—simply because of the new calculation method. This has already led some major brands to temporarily suspend or revise their voluntary Nutri-Score labeling.
Nutri-Score and recipe optimization: Why it is important to act now
For food manufacturers, the newly adjusted Nutri-Score means one thing above all else: strategic reformulations are becoming more important than ever. In particular, the balance between sugar, saturated fats, salt, fiber, and protein is increasingly decisive in determining a good rating of A or B. Products with a high fiber or plant protein content can benefit significantly from the new algorithm, while products with a high sugar or salt content are downgraded more severely.
This opens up opportunities for innovative and health-oriented product development—and this is exactly where we at Aquapharm . As an experienced wholesaler of fiber, sugar alternatives, and vegan proteins, we support food manufacturers in the EU with raw materials that can specifically help optimize the Nutri-Score. Our high-quality ingredients can:
- Increase fiber content – promotes better scores in the "positive nutrients" category.
- Incorporate sugar alternatives – helps reduce sugar without compromising on taste.
- Improve protein profiles – plant-based proteins in particular enhance nutritional value.
We help you develop nutritionally appealing products that remain competitive in times of stricter Nutri-Score regulations—without compromising on quality or taste.
Your partner for sustainable formulations in times of new labeling standards
Nutri-Score remains voluntary, but its importance for consumer decisions and brand positioning is growing steadily. Manufacturers who invest in reformulation and transparent nutritional information today are securing a competitive advantage among health-conscious consumers.
With the right raw materials, such as functional fiber, innovative sugar alternatives, and high-quality vegan proteins, we help you develop products that are not only nutritionally appealing but also stand out in an increasingly Nutri-Score-oriented world.
👉 Learn more now: Contact our team for customized raw material solutions for Nutri-Score optimization!
Sugar reduction through sugar substitutes
Our sugar alcoholsMaltit, Erythrit, xylitol and sorbitol) offer you the opportunity to significantly reduce the sugar content of your products
without having to compromise on taste. These products are low in calories and help to improve the Nutri-Score at
.
Increase in dietary fiber
Our dietary fibresPolydextrose, resistant dextrin, soluble corn fiber, Inulin and Oligofructose) increase the fibre content of your products and promote digestive health. They also improve satiety and nutritional properties, add texture and volume to the product and bring valuable points to the Nutri-Score.
Plant proteins
Our vegan proteins (made from rice, peas
and soy) are ideal for enriching your
products with high-quality proteins. Increase
the protein content
of fruit gums or chocolate, for example, or
create protein-rich ice cream varieties that are on trend in the
fitness sector.
Get in touch with us!
Would you like to find out more about our products and how they can be used to improve nutritional values or do you have questions about their use in your products? Contact us directly for an individual consultation!
Phone +49 8157/9092499 or aquapharm
Frequently asked questions about Nutriscore
Here we provide you with answers to frequently asked questions:
Nutriscore rates foods based on their nutrient composition. Fiber, proteins and vitamins are rated positively, while sugar, saturated fats and salt are rated negatively.
Sugar substitutes reduce the calorie content and improve the Nutriscore without compromising on taste.
Yes, the combination of sugar substitutes, fiber and protein is ideal to maximize the Nutriscore of your products.
Yes, our sugar substitutes and plant-based proteins are vegan and are ideal for vegan recipes.
Fiber can be used in sweets, snacks and even beverages to increase satiety and improve Nutriscore.
A higher protein content can contribute positively to the overall rating and increase the satiety value of your products.
The adjustment of the recipe depends on the complexity, but this can usually be done within a few weeks.
Yes, we have minimum order quantities which may vary depending on the product. Please contact us for detailed information.
We will of course provide you with hand samples for initial tests.
Why us?
We are already on the way to finding solutions before you know what you will need from us tomorrow
Innovation
We offer you access to the latest trends and developments in the field of functional ingredients.
Quality
We guarantee the highest quality standards and reliable supply chains.
Partnership
We support you in every phase of your product development.
Sustainability
We attach great importance to environmentally friendly and socially responsible procurement.
Your ideas. Our ingredients. Your innovation.
"Discover our range of innovative ingredients to improve your product formulations."