| Food | g | kcal | Prot. | Carbs | Fat |
|---|
UK food labelling: the traffic light system and HFSS
The UK uses a voluntary front-of-pack traffic light labelling system, recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and NHS England, which colour-codes levels of fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt as green (low), amber (medium), or red (high) per 100g and per portion. This system is unique to the UK , European countries use the Nutri-Score letter system instead. The UK also has specific HFSS (High Fat, Sugar, Salt) regulations introduced in 2022, which restrict the promotion and placement of HFSS foods in stores and online.
UK Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI), set by the Department of Health, differ from US Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). The tool uses a 2,000 kcal reference diet for daily value percentages, which is the closest practical standard.
UK daily reference values used in this tool
| Nutrient | UK Reference (2,000 kcal) | Traffic light: "high" threshold per 100g |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 70 g/day | > 17.5 g per 100g |
| Saturated fat | 20 g/day | > 5 g per 100g |
| Sugars | 90 g/day total (30 g free) | > 22.5 g per 100g |
| Salt | 6 g/day | > 1.5 g per 100g |
| Protein | 50 g/day | - |
Note: the UK uses sodium expressed as salt (multiply sodium mg by 2.5 to get salt in mg; divide by 1,000 for grams). The tool displays sodium in mg, as per the USDA source data.
What the data source does not cover
Values are derived from USDA FoodData Central, which covers US food compositions. UK-specific branded products (Heinz Baked Beans UK formulation, Marmite, UK cheddar) may have slightly different compositions than their US equivalents. For precise values on UK branded foods, consult the manufacturer's label or the FSA nutrient data bank. This tool is best used for unbranded whole foods, where compositions are broadly consistent across markets.
Practical guidance , not a substitute for professional advice
The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends a diet based on starchy foods, fruit and vegetables, some protein, and some dairy or dairy alternatives. This tool helps you understand the nutritional content of individual foods, but meal planning for specific health conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders) should be done with a registered dietitian. For a quick check of how foods combine in a meal, use the meal accumulator and compare totals against the reference values in the table above.