Stricter Nutri-Score Criteria Prompt Exit of PepsiCo, Danone, Alpro and Others in Germany

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2026. 02. 04. 09:18

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As new, more rigorous Nutri-Score regulations come into force across Europe, several major food manufacturers—including PepsiCo, Danone, and plant-based leader Alpro—are stepping back from the voluntary front-of-pack labelling scheme, according to a recent analysis by consumer watchdog foodwatch.

Foodwatch’s investigation revealed that 33 companies based in Germany have withdrawn their participation in the Nutri-Score system, despite having previously registered, VegConomist reports. The list includes high-profile names such as Costa, Coppenrath & Wiese, Harry Brot, YFood, Hengstenberg, and Werder Ketchup, alongside well-known international brands.

The change follows the implementation of a new algorithm for Nutri-Score ratings, effective January 1, 2026, which applies stricter criteria regarding nutritional components such as sugar, fat, and salt. As a result, many previously favorable ratings have been downgraded, leading some companies to remove the labelling from select product lines.

Voluntary system under fire

Foodwatch has urged German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Alois Rainer to make the Nutri-Score mandatory across all food and beverage categories in Germany. The organization argues that voluntary participation allows brands to selectively disclose nutrition information only when it portrays their products positively.

“As soon as the label changes from green to yellow or red, Danone, Pepsi, Harry Brot, and others back away,” said Luise Molling of foodwatch. “A voluntary Nutri-Score allows corporations to be transparent only when it suits them. It’s time for the government to end this cherry-picking.”

“A voluntary Nutri-Score allows corporations to be transparent only when it suits them”

PepsiCo withdrew its beverage brands Pepsi, SchwipSchwap, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, and Rockstar, while the company continues to label its Lay’s and Doritos chip brands with the Nutri-Score. Danone has opted not to use the Nutri-Score for Alpro, Actimel, and Fruchtzwerge (a brand of fruit-flavored yogurt), while Activia and Dany continue to carry the traffic light labeling system.

As of April 2025, around 960 companies with 1,420 brands were registered to use the Nutri-Score in Germany. The recent exits of major players underscore the growing tension between transparent consumer information and brand reputation management – particularly as regulatory frameworks tighten across Europe.