The Nutri-Grade mark can be found on both packaged drinks and on menus or menu boards for freshly prepared drinks like kopi, teh, malted drinks, bubble tea, shakes, smoothies and more.

Drinks graded Nutri-Grade C and D must display the Nutri-Grade mark on their packaging or on menus and other materials. On the other hand, Nutri-Grade labelling is optional for drinks graded “A” and “B”.

To manage your sugar and saturated fat intake, limit Nutri-Grade C and D drinks and go for healthier choice or Nutri-Grade A or B drinks or simply choose water.

Drinks graded “A” contain minimal sugar, no sweetener and minimal saturated fat content. Make these drinks your first choice whenever possible.

Prepacked beverages contribute to 64% of daily sugar intake for more than half of Singaporeans. The Government introduced the Nutri-Grade mark for prepacked beverages, to help identify beverages that are higher in sugar and saturated fat, and help make more informed, healthier choices.

Drinks graded “B” have low levels of sugar and saturated fat. These drinks are good options for you and your family.

Understanding how much sugar and saturated fat is in your drink can be confusing, and you can end up having too much without realising it. While saturated fat is not something you would usually associate with drinks, full-fat dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, creamer, full-fat milk, etc. are high in saturated fat and are often added to drinks to improve their “mouth feel”. But having too much of both sugar and saturated fat can mask the authentic flavours of drinks and increase your risk of diabetes.

Nutri-Grade B

Drinks graded “B” have low levels of sugar and saturated fat. These drinks are good options for you and your family. Did you know? Many drink stalls now serve kopi, teh and malted drinks as siu dai by default, and these drinks are graded “B”.

Drinks graded “C” contain a substantial level of sugar and saturated fat. Limit these drinks whenever possible.

High sugar intake is linked to increased risk of obesity and diabetes. A 2021 local meta-analysis which included studies on Asian populations found that higher consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a 51% higher risk of diabetes, compared to lower consumption.² The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to take action to reduce individuals’ intake of sugar to as low as possible, stating that “nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet”.^3,4

However, Singaporeans are consuming on average twelve teaspoons (or 58g) of sugar daily.⁵ More than half of Singaporeans’ daily sugar intake comes from beverages, of which pre-packaged beverages contribute 64 per cent and freshly prepared beverages contribute 36 per cent. More needs to be done to further reduce Singaporeans’ sugar intake.

The Nutri-Grade system uses a color-coded scale, ranging from Grade A (the healthiest option) to Grade D (the least healthy). The grades are as follows:

• Grade A: Healthier choice, lowest sugar and fat content.

• Grade B: Moderate sugar and fat content.

• Grade C: Higher sugar and fat content, but still within a permissible range.

• Grade D: High in sugar and/or fat content, not recommended for regular consumption.

The goal of Nutri-Grade is to help consumers make informed decisions about their beverage choices and to encourage healthier eating habits by reducing the consumption of sugary and fatty drinks.

Drinks graded “D” contain the highest sugar and saturated fat content. Limit these drinks whenever possible.

Understanding how much sugar and saturated fat is in your drink can be confusing, and you can end up having too much without realizing it.

^{Nutri grade was made mandatory to combat diabetes, and to help singaporeans identify drinks that are more unhealthy and have more sugar.}

The regulations for beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages from automated beverage dispensers sold in Singapore, came into effect on 30 December 2022. MOH and HPB have published the additional measures in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter, on 30 December 2023.

The additional measures from 30 December 2023 will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in here. Companies must still refer to the relevant legislation in theFood Regulationsand theSpecifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration for the technical requirements for the measures.The regulations and specifications for the additional measures can be found under "Resources".

The Nutri-Grade mark can be found on both packaged drinks and on menus or menu boards for freshly prepared drinks like kopi, teh, malted drinks, bubble tea, shakes, smoothies and more.

If you want to find out how much sugar is in your drink, simply look out for the sugar percentage indicated on the Nutri-Grade mark!

Drinks graded Nutri-Grade C and D must display the Nutri-Grade mark on their packaging or on menus and other materials. On the other hand, Nutri-Grade labelling is optional for drinks graded “A” and “B”.

To manage your sugar and saturated fat intake, limit Nutri-Grade C and D drinks and go for healthier choice or Nutri-Grade A or B drinks or simply choose water.

Nescafe Gold Original (200g)AOSK Japanese Green Tea Bags (50x 2g)AOSK Japanese Green Tea Bags - Mixed with Roasted Rice (50x 2g)AOSK New Family Japanese Green Tea (75g)A

Nutri-Grade “grades” your drinks based on their sugar and saturated fat content with "A" having the lowest levels and "D" the highest. Choose better by limiting Nutri-Grade C and D drinks.

¹Source: National Nutrition Survey, 2022, Health Promotion Board

The regulations for beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages from automated beverage dispensers sold in Singapore, came into effect on 30 December 2022. MOH and HPB have published the additional measures in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter, on 30 December 2023.

The additional measures from 30 December 2023 will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in here. Companies must still refer to the relevant legislation in theFood Regulationsand theSpecifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration for the technical requirements for the measures.The regulations and specifications for the additional measures can be found under "Resources".

“What is considered a Nutri-Grade beverage?”

Nutri-Grade beverages include:

1. Pre-packaged beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers 

2. Pre-packaged beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials); and

3. Non-customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective consumer of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

4. [New from 30 December 2023] Freshly prepared beverages that are prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the consumer, such as freshly brewed coffee or tea, freshly squeezed juices, freshly blended smoothies, bubble tea, freshly prepared herbal drinks,

5. [New from 30 December 2023] Customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers (this includes coffee machines that allow choice of sugar level or creamer).

Alcoholic beverages and special purpose foods are excluded from the definition of  “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Grading System for Nutri-Grade Beverages

All Nutri-Grade beverages will be graded using a single set of thresholds for sugar and saturated fat content (Figure 1).

The Nutri-Grade mark can be found on both packaged drinks and on menus or menu boards for freshly prepared drinks like kopi, teh, malted drinks, bubble tea, shakes, smoothies and more.

In addition to the grades for individual beverages, here are a few key aspects of the Nutri-Grade labeling system:

1. Beverages Covered: Nutri-Grade applies primarily to pre-packaged beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks, sweetened teas, and other sugary drinks. Beverages like plain water, tea without sugar, or low-fat milk typically do not require Nutri-Grade labeling.

2. Criteria for Grading: The grades are based on two key nutritional factors:

   • Sugar content: This is measured in terms of the amount of added sugar per 100ml of the beverage. The higher the sugar content, the lower the grade.

   • Fat content: Beverages that contain high amounts of saturated fat will also receive a lower grade.

3. Healthier Choice Symbol: This symbol may accompany certain products with better nutritional profiles, indicating they have met the Ministry of Health's criteria for being a healthier option. Nutri-Grade labels and Healthier Choice Symbol are designed to complement each other, with Nutri-Grade providing more detailed information about specific beverages.

4. Public Awareness: The Singapore government has been active in raising awareness about the Nutri-Grade system, using education campaigns to promote healthier choices. This includes partnerships with schools, workplaces, and media outlets to spread knowledge about the importance of limiting sugar and unhealthy fats.

5. Encouraging Reformulation: The introduction of Nutri-Grade encourages beverage manufacturers to reformulate their products to improve their nutritional profile. For example, companies may reduce the amount of sugar or replace unhealthy fats to improve their product's grade.

Overall, Nutri-Grade aims to empower consumers to make better choices and push the food and beverage industry toward healthier options, contributing to a reduction in the consumption of unhealthy drinks and ultimately improving public health outcomes in Singapore.

High sugar intake is linked to increased risk of obesity and diabetes. A 2021 local meta-analysis which included studies on Asian populations found that higher consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a 51% higher risk of diabetes, compared to lower consumption.² The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to take action to reduce individuals’ intake of sugar to as low as possible, stating that “nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet”.^3,4

However, Singaporeans are consuming on average twelve teaspoons (or 58g) of sugar daily.⁵ More than half of Singaporeans’ daily sugar intake comes from beverages, of which pre-packaged beverages contribute 64 per cent and freshly prepared beverages contribute 36 per cent. More needs to be done to further reduce Singaporeans’ sugar intake.

Companies are responsible to ensure that the Nutri-Grade mark (if required) and NIP are applied to their products in accordance to the regulations. The images for the Nutri-Grade mark can be downloaded in the “Resources” section below. Companies will not be required to register any product artwork or submit any test result prior to applying the Nutri-Grade mark. Post-market surveillance will be conducted by the relevant authorities to ensure that the regulations are complied with. 

Advertising Prohibitions

Advertisements of Nutri-Grade beverages graded "D", are prohibited across all media platforms (e.g. broadcast, print, out-of-home, on-ground, online) except for advertisements of pre-packaged beverages at point-of-sale (POS) platforms within variety shops (e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores). POS advertisements for pre-packaged Nutri-Grade beverages graded "D" are permitted within variety shops (e.g. promotional signage at supermarkets), but these materials must display the beverage’s Nutri-Grade mark clearly.

Brand advertisements that do not feature any particular product, and advertisements that promote the sale of Nutri-Grade beverages graded "A", "B" or "C" are allowed.

Concession for Smaller Food Businesses

To ensure a smooth transition in implementation, we will first provide a concession to individuals and entities running smaller food businesses that involve the sale or supply of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, if they (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. This is in view of the challenges such individuals and entities may face, such as a lack of resources to determine the grading of the beverages being sold. We will review this concession over time and make the necessary adjustments.

These individuals and entities will still be required to comply with the measures for existing Nutri-Grade beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages dispensed from vending machines and automatic beverage dispensers.

The regulations for beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages from automated beverage dispensers sold in Singapore, came into effect on 30 December 2022. MOH and HPB have published the additional measures in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter, on 30 December 2023.

The additional measures from 30 December 2023 will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in here. Companies must still refer to the relevant legislation in theFood Regulationsand theSpecifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration for the technical requirements for the measures.The regulations and specifications for the additional measures can be found under "Resources".

“What is considered a Nutri-Grade beverage?”

Nutri-Grade beverages include:

1. Pre-packaged beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers 

2. Pre-packaged beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials); and

3. Non-customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective consumer of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

4. [New from 30 December 2023] Freshly prepared beverages that are prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the consumer, such as freshly brewed coffee or tea, freshly squeezed juices, freshly blended smoothies, bubble tea, freshly prepared herbal drinks,

5. [New from 30 December 2023] Customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers (this includes coffee machines that allow choice of sugar level or creamer).

Alcoholic beverages and special purpose foods are excluded from the definition of  “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Grade B: 1-5% Sugar

Grade C: 5-10% Sugar

Grade D: At least 10% Sugar

High sugar intake is linked to increased risk of obesity and diabetes. A 2021 local meta-analysis which included studies on Asian populations found that higher consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a 51% higher risk of diabetes, compared to lower consumption.² The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to take action to reduce individuals’ intake of sugar to as low as possible, stating that “nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet”.^3,4

However, Singaporeans are consuming on average twelve teaspoons (or 58g) of sugar daily.⁵ More than half of Singaporeans’ daily sugar intake comes from beverages, of which pre-packaged beverages contribute 64 per cent and freshly prepared beverages contribute 36 per cent. More needs to be done to further reduce Singaporeans’ sugar intake.

About the Measures for Nutri-Grade Beverages

The Singapore Government decided to introduce mandatory nutrition labels and advertising prohibitions for Nutri-Grade beverages, after carefully considering the feedback received from public, industry and expert stakeholders, and reviewing existing overseas and local evidence. Together, these measures aim to help consumers identify beverages that are higher in sugar and saturated fat and to reduce the influence of advertising on consumer preferences, thus encouraging more informed, healthier choices and spurring industry reformulation. 

The regulations for beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages from automated beverage dispensers sold in Singapore, came into effect on 30 December 2022. MOH and HPB have published the additional measures in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter, on 30 December 2023.

The additional measures from 30 December 2023 will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in here. Companies must still refer to the relevant legislation in theFood Regulationsand theSpecifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration for the technical requirements for the measures.The regulations and specifications for the additional measures can be found under "Resources".

“What is considered a Nutri-Grade beverage?”

Nutri-Grade beverages include:

We need to eat a wide variety of foods in the right amounts to meet our daily nutritional needs. Eating healthier, balanced meals does not have to be complicated.

My Healthy Plate is an easy-to-understand visual guide, designed by Health Promotion Board. It helps you adopt healthier eating habits, which in turn can help you better manage your weight and ward off chronic diseases.

Quarter, Quarter, Half is an easy way to remember the right proportions of each food group in a well-balanced meal. Here’s how:

• Fill Quarter plate with wholegrains

• Fill Quarter plate with good sources of protein

• Fill Half plate with fruit and vegetables

If you are unable to find a meal that fits the Quarter, Quarter, Half proportions, you can make up the missing food groups in your next meal.

^*Recommended plate is 10 inch in diameter

The grade is determined by the sugar and saturated fat content of the beverage as indicated in the table. Grade A corresponds to the lowest sugar and saturated fat thresholds, and Grade D corresponds to the highest sugar and saturated fat thresholds.

In addition to the grades, the sugar level of the beverage is shown clearly on the label in the form of percentage of total volume.

Nutri-Grade beverages graded "C" or "D" must be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark on the front-of-pack of its package for pre-packaged products or [new from 30 December 2023] labelled next to freshly prepared beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus at their point of purchase. Labelling of the Nutri-Grade mark is optional for Nutri-Grade beverages graded 'A" or "B", and companies can choose to label such products with the voluntary HCS or HDP identifier and/or the Nutri-Grade mark. 

To better help consumers in their decision making when selecting beverages from menus, a simplified Nutri-Grade mark has been developed and is to be placed next to the individual beverage listings from end 2023. Toppings that can be added to freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, must be labelled with a declaration of sugar content on menus, posters, signs and other materials. The Nutri-Grade and Sugar Declaration for Toppings marks are illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Illustration of Nutri-Grade mark variants for Nutri-Grade beverages and Sugar Declaration Mark for Toppings

Alcoholic beverages, special purpose foods, beverages prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the purchaser are excluded from the definition of “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Understanding how much sugar and saturated fat is in your drink can be confusing, and you can end up having too much without realising it. While saturated fat is not something you would usually associate with drinks, full-fat dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, creamer, full-fat milk, etc. are high in saturated fat and are often added to drinks to improve their “mouth feel”. But having too much of both sugar and saturated fat can mask the authentic flavours of drinks and increase your risk of diabetes.

Nutri-Grade “grades” your drinks based on their sugar and saturated fat levels. Think of this as a combined score. Drinks graded “A” have the lowest sugar and saturated fat content, while drinks graded “D” have the highest.

Companies are responsible to ensure that the Nutri-Grade mark (if required) and NIP are applied to their products in accordance to the regulations. The images for the Nutri-Grade mark can be downloaded in the “Resources” section below. Companies will not be required to register any product artwork or submit any test result prior to applying the Nutri-Grade mark. Post-market surveillance will be conducted by the relevant authorities to ensure that the regulations are complied with. 

Advertising Prohibitions

Advertisements of Nutri-Grade beverages graded "D", are prohibited across all media platforms (e.g. broadcast, print, out-of-home, on-ground, online) except for advertisements of pre-packaged beverages at point-of-sale (POS) platforms within variety shops (e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores). POS advertisements for pre-packaged Nutri-Grade beverages graded "D" are permitted within variety shops (e.g. promotional signage at supermarkets), but these materials must display the beverage’s Nutri-Grade mark clearly.

Brand advertisements that do not feature any particular product, and advertisements that promote the sale of Nutri-Grade beverages graded "A", "B" or "C" are allowed.

Concession for Smaller Food Businesses

To ensure a smooth transition in implementation, we will first provide a concession to individuals and entities running smaller food businesses that involve the sale or supply of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, if they (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. This is in view of the challenges such individuals and entities may face, such as a lack of resources to determine the grading of the beverages being sold. We will review this concession over time and make the necessary adjustments.

These individuals and entities will still be required to comply with the measures for existing Nutri-Grade beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages dispensed from vending machines and automatic beverage dispensers.

Nutri-Grade calculator 

The Calculator is available to help industry and consumers easily determine the grade of Nutri-Grade beverages. The Calculator should always be used in conjunction with the Food Regulations and Industry Guidance Documents, which provide important guidance and explanations. 
 

The sugar content of toppings must also be labelled with the Sugar Declaration for Toppings mark. This new measure aims to provide consumers with information about the sugar content in toppings, and to encourage the industry to develop lower-sugar alternatives so that consumers can make more informed choices across toppings and have healthier options to choose from. Accordingly, the percentage of sugar content must be labelled for toppings that can be added onto the beverage and/or used to customise beverages on a menu, poster, sign or other material used to inform a prospective consumer that a topping is for sale. The industry is required to adhere to the format of the white bubbles labelled with the percentage of sugar content, i.e. ‘+x% sugar’. To reduce visual clutter, toppings with the same percentage of sugar content can also be grouped and labelled together, but it is not mandatory to do so. This document has been produced to provide guidelines on how the Sugar Declaration for Toppings mark should be applied across menus, posters, signs or other materials

Diabetes is a serious health concern in Singapore. The number of Singapore residents with diabetes is projected to reach one million by 2050, if nothing is done.¹ In response to the significant health and societal burden posed by diabetes, MOH launched the War on Diabetes in 2016 to mobilise a whole-of-society effort to tackle the disease.

High sugar intake is linked to increased risk of obesity and diabetes. A 2021 local meta-analysis which included studies on Asian populations found that higher consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a 51% higher risk of diabetes, compared to lower consumption.² The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to take action to reduce individuals’ intake of sugar to as low as possible, stating that “nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet”.^3,4

However, Singaporeans are consuming on average twelve teaspoons (or 58g) of sugar daily.⁵ More than half of Singaporeans’ daily sugar intake comes from beverages, of which pre-packaged beverages contribute 64 per cent and freshly prepared beverages contribute 36 per cent. More needs to be done to further reduce Singaporeans’ sugar intake.

About the Measures for Nutri-Grade Beverages

The Singapore Government decided to introduce mandatory nutrition labels and advertising prohibitions for Nutri-Grade beverages, after carefully considering the feedback received from public, industry and expert stakeholders, and reviewing existing overseas and local evidence. Together, these measures aim to help consumers identify beverages that are higher in sugar and saturated fat and to reduce the influence of advertising on consumer preferences, thus encouraging more informed, healthier choices and spurring industry reformulation. 

The regulations for beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages from automated beverage dispensers sold in Singapore, came into effect on 30 December 2022. MOH and HPB have published the additional measures in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter, on 30 December 2023.

The additional measures from 30 December 2023 will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in here. Companies must still refer to the relevant legislation in the Food Regulations and the Specifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration for the technical requirements for the measures .The regulations and specifications for the additional measures can be found under "Resources".

“What is considered a Nutri-Grade beverage?”

Nutri-Grade beverages include:

1. Pre-packaged beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers 

2. Pre-packaged beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials); and

3. Non-customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective consumer of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

4. [New from 30 December 2023] Freshly prepared beverages that are prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the consumer, such as freshly brewed coffee or tea, freshly squeezed juices, freshly blended smoothies, bubble tea, freshly prepared herbal drinks,

5. [New from 30 December 2023] Customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers (this includes coffee machines that allow choice of sugar level or creamer).

Alcoholic beverages and special purpose foods are excluded from the definition of  “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Grading System for Nutri-Grade Beverages

All Nutri-Grade beverages will be graded using a single set of thresholds for sugar and saturated fat content (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Nutri-Grade Grading System

The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) guidelines are aligned with the Nutri-Grade mark, such that all drinks under the HCS and HDP programmes are either Grade A or B. Explore our Nutri-Grade A & B Drink Directory. 

Mandatory Nutri-Grade mark for beverages graded C or D

The mandatory nutrition label, called “Nutri-Grade”, has four colour-coded grades. Grade A, corresponding to the lowest sugar and saturated fat thresholds, is in green. Grade D, corresponding to the highest sugar and saturated fat thresholds, is in red. Please refer to the Usage Guide in the "Resources" section below, for the specific Pantones.

In addition to the grades, the sugar level of the beverage is shown clearly on the label in the form of percentage of total volume.

Nutri-Grade beverages graded "C" or "D" must be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark on the front-of-pack of its package for pre-packaged products or [new from 30 December 2023] labelled next to freshly prepared beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus at their point of purchase. Labelling of the Nutri-Grade mark is optional for Nutri-Grade beverages graded 'A" or "B", and companies can choose to label such products with the voluntary HCS or HDP identifier and/or the Nutri-Grade mark. 

“The selection committee recognised the effectiveness of Singapore’s initiative in driving behaviour change at multiple levels – by providing transparent information directly to consumers and by creating a regulatory environment that motivates industry reformulation to reduce the sugar content of drinks,” said a WHO spokesperson.

A key strength of the policy is the ability to expand to other ingredients, such as sodium, the spokesperson added.

This has the potential to “further encourage industry reformulation and reduce the influence of marketing on consumer preferences”, including those of children.

2.     The measures apply to freshly prepared beverages sold in (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets, catering establishments, as well as digital platforms, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

3.     These measures will allow consumers to refer to Nutri-Grade marks when choosing their beverages, enabling them to better identify beverages that are lower in sugar and saturated fat. For toppings such as pearls and jellies that can be added to freshly prepared beverages, consumers will also be able to identify the toppings that are lower in sugar content by referring to the sugar declaration marks.

4.     Additional labelling requirements will also be introduced to beverages under the current Nutri-Grade measures, such as prepacked beverages sold in Singapore and non-customisable beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers.

Key Features of the Additional Measures

5.     The key features of the additional measures include:

     a) Freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages must be graded “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to the Nutri-Grade grading system which is based on the beverages’ sugar and saturated fat content;

     b) If the freshly prepared or existing Nutri-Grade beverage is graded “C” or “D”, the Nutri-Grade mark must be labelled next to beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus, at their point of purchase. Industry players may use the simplified Nutri-Grade mark on menus where more than one beverage option is listed (Figure 1). The labelling of Nutri-Grade beverages graded “A” or “B” will continue to be optional;

Figure 1: Simplified Nutri-Grade mark variants used on menus*

*The finalised version of the industry usage guides can be found on HPB’s website (https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/food-beverage/nutri-grade#resources). 

     c) Toppings that can be added to freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, such as pearls, jellies, ice cream, and whipped cream, must be labelled with a declaration of their sugar content (Figure 2); and

     d) Advertisements promoting the sale of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited.

Figure 2: Example of a menu with beverages and their simplified Nutri-Grade marks and toppings and their sugar declaration marks*

6.     The extension of the Nutri-Grade measures to freshly prepared beverages and additional measures for existing Nutri-Grade beverages will come into effect on 30 December 2023, following the publication of the Food (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2023 and Sale of Food (Freshly Prepared Nutri-Grade Beverages – Exemption) Order 2023 today. Non-compliance with the measures will be an offence punishable upon conviction with a fine not exceeding $1,000; and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a fine not exceeding $2,000. A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in the Annex.

Supporting Industry Partners

7.     Industry partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of these additional measures. Since early 2023, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has been providing the industry with guidance and resources to facilitate the implementation of the extended Nutri-Grade measures. HPB has also been supporting the industry in their product reformulation and commercialisation efforts under the Healthier Dining Programme. Ahead of the implementation date, some businesses, such as food courts and quick service restaurants, have already reformulated their freshly prepared beverage offerings, or labelled them with the Nutri-Grade marks. HPB also supports the industry by investing in promotional and educational efforts among consumers, to encourage them to opt for lower sugar and saturated fat options.

8.     The Nutri-Grade measures are part of MOH’s and HPB’s long-term strategy to shape consumer behaviour, with the aim to further reduce sugar intake in the population. We thank the industry for their support and will continue to work closely with them leading up to, and beyond the implementation date.

These Nutri-Grade labels will be compulsory for freshly made beverages from Dec 30, after being introduced for packaged drinks since December 2022. The healthiest drinks are graded "A" while those with the highest sugar and/or saturated fat content get a "D".

Some food and beverage outlets have already updated their menus, with bubble tea chain PlayMade rolling out theirs from Dec 18.

But there are customers who have yet to notice the change. Ms Syafiqah Nasir, who was waiting for her bubble tea, was surprised when told there were Nutri-Grade labels on the menu she had just ordered from.

"I think it's because (the label) is a bit too small, and sometimes you know what you want and you just focus on the name of the drink," she said. "Now that I'm aware, maybe I'll be more conscious."

Mr Khoo, 49, who ordered from another bubble tea stall, also said he didn't really look at the labels given how there was already so much information on the menu to absorb.

And 18-year-old student Erin Chua thinks it's not that important: "As long as I exercise, it doesn't matter what kind of drinks I drink."

sugar

> 2.8g*

saturated fat

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade D Drinks

Kopi / Teh Ga Dai

Malted Drink Dinosaur

Bubble Tea 100% sugar, with milk & toppings

Spot Nutri-Grade on packaged drinks and on menus

Instituted by the Singapore government in December 2022, the colour-coded NG labelling system was introduced to help consumers identify healthier drinks. The new front-of-pack NG system currently grades pre-packed beverages on a four-point scale, from A (lowest in sugar and saturated fat) to D (highest in sugar and saturated fat).

The NG label complements the Healthier Choice Symbol currently displayed on selected food and drink items, which aims to help consumers make informed purchases and pave the road to reducing the currently increasing levels of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.—an epidemic that Singapore shares with many other countries.

“Singapore now has the highest prevalence of diabetes among developed countries,” said Professor Eric Finkelstein from Duke-NUS’ Health Services and Systems Research (HSSR) programme and senior author of the study. “Our work was designed to assess whether the NG system might help combat this problem.”

In the study, which was conducted before the official implementation of the NG labelling system, the research team recruited 138 participants to shop for groceries in their experimental online grocery store called NUSMart. This online store mimics real web-based grocery stores in Singapore and has already been used in other research publications.

To evaluate whether the NG labels affect what consumers purchased, the participants were exposed to two different shopping experiences—with or without the new NG labels on pre-packaged beverages in the presence of the Healthier Choice Symbol logos.

“The results revealed that the NG labels were effective in increasing purchases of beverages that were rated A or B—the healthier drinks,” said Dr Soye Shin, health economist from Duke-NUS’ HSSR programme and first author and principal investigator of the study. “Compared to what was bought during the shopping experience without the NG labels, those bought with the NG labels had a reduced sugar content of 1.5 grams per serving.”

But the study showed that there were no significant differences in the total calories, saturated fat or other nutrients present in the purchased goods—likely because beverages account for a small part of the total shopping basket. 

“This reveals the limits of a labelling system focussing on only pre-packaged beverages,” added Prof Finkelstein, who is also a health economist with Duke-NUS. “The government has recognised this and will be expanding Nutri-Grade to freshly prepared beverages by the end of 2023.”

“The Duke-NUS study affirms that the Nutri-Grade mark is a good tool in guiding consumers to identify and choose beverages lower in sugar,” said Mr Terence Ng, the Director of Policy and Strategy Development at the Health Promotion Board. “With the extension of these measures to freshly prepared beverages in end 2023, we aim to help Singaporeans reduce sugar consumption through beverages over time.”

For the Duke-NUS research team, the next step will be to evaluate the NG system’s effects using real-world consumer data. They hope that this will provide more detailed evidence that can be used to guide refinement and expansion of the system, which will possibly cover a much wider range of foods.

2.       The Nutri-Grade beverages include beverages prepacked in bottles, cans, cartons or packets; powders or concentrates such as 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage and cordials; and beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers such as fountain drinks and automated coffee machines.

3.       From 30 December 2022, consumers can expect to see the following:

         a) Nutri-Grade beverages graded “C” or “D” will be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark, while labelling of beverages graded “A” or “B” and/or products endorsed with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is optional;

         b) Nutri-Grade beverages will carry a nutrition information panel (NIP) specifying the energy value, the amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat, total sugar and saturated fat in the beverage; and

         c) Advertisements related to Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited, except in certain circumstances detailed in regulation 184F(2) in the Food Regulations.

4.         Since the announcement of the nutrition labelling and advertising prohibition measures in October 2019, manufacturers have progressively labelled their products with Nutri-Grade marks, reformulated their beverages and introduced more lower-sugar and lower-fat choices ahead of the implementation date.

5.         Overall, the median sugar level of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages has reduced from 7.1% in FY2017 to 4.6% in FY2021 and close to two-thirds of these beverages in the market are now graded “A” or “B”. This is more than double compared to FY2017, where only about 30% of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages in the market would have been graded “A” or “B”. Currently, one in five beverages in the market is tagged with HCS. These beverages are also graded “A” or “B”.

6.         We have seen an encouraging increase in the sales of beverages which would have been graded “A” and “B”, from 37% in FY2017 to 71% in FY2021. There are now more healthier alternatives such as low- and zero-sugar options for sodas, Asian drinks and ready-to-drink teas. Some higher sugar juices have been reformulated through mixing with lower-sugar fruits and vegetables, or reconstituted to become a juice drink. The range of healthier all-in-one coffees and teas with lower saturated fat has also increased from 24% in FY2017 to 36% in FY2021.

7.         To reduce sugar intake, consumers are encouraged to limit their intake of beverages labelled “C” or “D”, and choose healthier beverages graded “A” or “B”, beverages labelled with HCS, or simply drink water instead.

8.         Consumers can find more information about Nutri-Grade including the list of healthier drinks graded “A” and “B” on HealthHub at https://go.gov.sg/nutri-grade. Consumers can also expect to see accompanying consumer educational messages at retail stores while shopping in the coming months.

9.         The Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board will extend similar measures to freshly prepared beverages that are scheduled to come into effect by end of 2023. More details will be released later

Fruit and vegetables not only add beautiful colours, interesting textures and delicious flavours to our meals, they also provide unique nutrients and health benefits.

What do fruit and vegetables provide?

Fruit and vegetables are naturally low in calories, fat and sodium. They are also rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants.

What are the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables?

A healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables helps protect you against many diseases, e.g. heart diseases, stroke and certain cancers. The high water and fibre content helps to add volume and bulk to your meals to fill you up and minimises any urges to overeat.

Instituted by the Singapore government in December 2022, the colour-coded NG labelling system was introduced to help consumers identify healthier drinks. The new front-of-pack NG system currently grades pre-packed beverages on a four-point scale, from A (lowest in sugar and saturated fat) to D (highest in sugar and saturated fat).

The NG label complements the Healthier Choice Symbol currently displayed on selected food and drink items, which aims to help consumers make informed purchases and pave the road to reducing the currently increasing levels of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.—an epidemic that Singapore shares with many other countries.

“Singapore now has the highest prevalence of diabetes among developed countries,” said Professor Eric Finkelstein from Duke-NUS’ Health Services and Systems Research (HSSR) programme and senior author of the study. “Our work was designed to assess whether the NG system might help combat this problem.”

In the study, which was conducted before the official implementation of the NG labelling system, the research team recruited 138 participants to shop for groceries in their experimental online grocery store called NUSMart. This online store mimics real web-based grocery stores in Singapore and has already been used in other research publications.

To evaluate whether the NG labels affect what consumers purchased, the participants were exposed to two different shopping experiences—with or without the new NG labels on pre-packaged beverages in the presence of the Healthier Choice Symbol logos.

“The results revealed that the NG labels were effective in increasing purchases of beverages that were rated A or B—the healthier drinks,” said Dr Soye Shin, health economist from Duke-NUS’ HSSR programme and first author and principal investigator of the study. “Compared to what was bought during the shopping experience without the NG labels, those bought with the NG labels had a reduced sugar content of 1.5 grams per serving.”

But the study showed that there were no significant differences in the total calories, saturated fat or other nutrients present in the purchased goods—likely because beverages account for a small part of the total shopping basket. 

“This reveals the limits of a labelling system focussing on only pre-packaged beverages,” added Prof Finkelstein, who is also a health economist with Duke-NUS. “The government has recognised this and will be expanding Nutri-Grade to freshly prepared beverages by the end of 2023.”

“The Duke-NUS study affirms that the Nutri-Grade mark is a good tool in guiding consumers to identify and choose beverages lower in sugar,” said Mr Terence Ng, the Director of Policy and Strategy Development at the Health Promotion Board. “With the extension of these measures to freshly prepared beverages in end 2023, we aim to help Singaporeans reduce sugar consumption through beverages over time.”

For the Duke-NUS research team, the next step will be to evaluate the NG system’s effects using real-world consumer data. They hope that this will provide more detailed evidence that can be used to guide refinement and expansion of the system, which will possibly cover a much wider range of foods.

Example of a bubble tea menu with the Nutri-Grade mark and sugar content of top

Milk and toppings add saturated fat and sugar. Limit these when ordering bubble tea.

Nutri-Grade is based on the sugar and saturated fat content of drinks, both of which are linked to a higher risk of diabetes.

Dairy drinks such as full-fat milk are graded "C" or "D" due to their higher saturated fat content. However, full-fat milk is recognised as a good source of other nutrients like protein and calcium. For 1 – 2 year-olds, full-fat milk is necessary to provide adequate fat, protein, vitamins and minerals essential for their growth and development.

On the other hand, while some soft drinks are lower in sugar, they contain little or zero nutrients. It’s better to choose water which is an excellent thirst quencher and contains no sugar or saturated fat.

Why are some sugar-free or low-sugar drinks graded “C” or “D”?

There are two possible reasons for this:

1. The low-sugar/no-sugar drink is high in saturated fat

Nutri-Grade is based on both sugar and saturated fat content. Drinks may contain little to no sugar, yet still have high levels of saturated fat. If a drink is graded “B” based on sugar content but “C” based on its saturated fat level, the final grade will take the poorer “C” grade.

Illustration of how Nutri-Grade is derived

2. The drink is high in natural sugars

The phrase “no added sugar” implies that no extra sugar was added into the drinks during the manufacturing process. However, some drinks like fruit juices can have high levels of natural sugars (e.g. fructose which is derived from fruits) and as a result, are graded “C” or “D”.

Do note: Certain Nutri-Grade C and D drinks may still be required in moderation for those with specific dietary needs, such as full cream milk for children aged 1 to 2 years, and 100% juice for seniors with difficulty in chewing whole fruit.

What are the Nutri-Grade guidelines for labelling and advertising?

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB), introduced the following Nutri-Grade guidelines to help consumers make informed and better drink choices.


Nutri-Grade Guidelines:

• Labelling of Nutri-Grade C and D drinks are mandatory² (includes packaged and freshly-prepared drinks)

• Advertising is prohibited for Nutri-Grade D drinks

• Labelling for Nutri-Grade A and B drinks is optional

• Nutri-Grade measures will apply to drinks sold across all retail and non-retail settings.

² For freshly prepared drinks, smaller food businesses are exempted from the mandatory labelling if they (a) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (b) sell or supply those drinks at fewer than 10 food premises.

What’s the difference between the Nutri-Grade mark, the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP)?

The Nutri-Grade mark is a labelling scheme for drinks and is based on sugar and saturated fat content. The labelling of Nutri-Grade C and D drinks is mandatory and labelling of Nutri-Grade A and B drinks is optional.

The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) labels are voluntary and apply for both food and drinks.

The HCS and HDP guidelines are aligned with the Nutri-Grade grading system. All healthier choice drinks are Nutri-Grade A or B. Drinks that are lower in sugar and saturated fat may carry both the healthier choice identifier and the Nutri-Grade mark, just one of them or neither. Both these initiatives will continue to coexist to help guide consumers in making informed drink choices easily.

Why don't I see any Nutri-Grade marks at my local coffee shop?

For freshly prepared drinks, smaller food businesses are exempted from the mandatory Nutri-Grade C and D labelling if they (a) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (b) sell or supply those drinks at fewer than 10 food premises.

For detailed Nutri-Grade labelling and advertising requirements, please visit the HPB corporate website.

Drinks graded “B” have low levels of sugar and saturated fat. These drinks are good options for you and your family. Drinks graded “C” contain a substantial level of sugar and saturated fat. Limit these drinks whenever possible. Drinks graded “D” contain the highest sugar and saturated fat content. Limit these drinks whenever possible.

What is Nutri-Grade?

Understanding how much sugar and saturated fat is in your drink can be confusing, and you can end up having too much without realising it. While saturated fat is not something you would usually associate with drinks, full-fat dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, creamer, full-fat milk, etc. are high in saturated fat and are often added to drinks to improve their “mouth feel”. But having too much of both sugar and saturated fat can mask the authentic flavours of drinks and increase your risk of diabetes.

Where can you find the Nutri-Grade mark?

The Nutri-Grade mark can be found on both packaged drinks and on menus or menu boards for freshly prepared drinks like kopi, teh, malted drinks, bubble tea, shakes, smoothies and more.
If you want to find out how much sugar is in your drink, simply look out for the sugar percentage indicated on the Nutri-Grade mark!

Know your toppings better with Nutri-Grade

As part of the Nutri-Grade requirements, the sugar content of toppings such as pearls, jellies, ice-cream and whipped cream have to be included on menus, posters, signs and other materials. This helps you make better choices when deciding on your order.

Did you know?

Milk and toppings add saturated fat and sugar. Limit these when ordering bubble tea.

Some soft drinks are graded "A" or "B" while some dairy drinks are Nutri-Grade C or D. Does that mean these soft drinks are healthier?

Nutri-Grade is based on the sugar and saturated fat content of drinks, both of which are linked to a higher risk of diabetes.

Dairy drinks such as full-fat milk are graded "C" or "D" due to their higher saturated fat content. However, full-fat milk is recognised as a good source of other nutrients like protein and calcium. For 1 – 2 year-olds, full-fat milk is necessary to provide adequate fat, protein, vitamins and minerals essential for their growth and development.

On the other hand, while some soft drinks are lower in sugar, they contain little or zero nutrients. It’s better to choose water which is an excellent thirst quencher and contains no sugar or saturated fat.

Instituted by the Singapore government in December 2022, the colour-coded NG labelling system was introduced to help consumers identify healthier drinks. The new front-of-pack NG system currently grades pre-packed beverages on a four-point scale, from A (lowest in sugar and saturated fat) to D (highest in sugar and saturated fat).

The NG label complements the Healthier Choice Symbol currently displayed on selected food and drink items, which aims to help consumers make informed purchases and pave the road to reducing the currently increasing levels of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.—an epidemic that Singapore shares with many other countries.

“Singapore now has the highest prevalence of diabetes among developed countries,” said Professor Eric Finkelstein from Duke-NUS’ Health Services and Systems Research (HSSR) programme and senior author of the study. “Our work was designed to assess whether the NG system might help combat this problem.”

In the study, which was conducted before the official implementation of the NG labelling system, the research team recruited 138 participants to shop for groceries in their experimental online grocery store called NUSMart. This online store mimics real web-based grocery stores in Singapore and has already been used in other research publications.

To evaluate whether the NG labels affect what consumers purchased, the participants were exposed to two different shopping experiences—with or without the new NG labels on pre-packaged beverages in the presence of the Healthier Choice Symbol logos.

“The results revealed that the NG labels were effective in increasing purchases of beverages that were rated A or B—the healthier drinks,” said Dr Soye Shin, health economist from Duke-NUS’ HSSR programme and first author and principal investigator of the study. “Compared to what was bought during the shopping experience without the NG labels, those bought with the NG labels had a reduced sugar content of 1.5 grams per serving.”

But the study showed that there were no significant differences in the total calories, saturated fat or other nutrients present in the purchased goods—likely because beverages account for a small part of the total shopping basket. 

“This reveals the limits of a labelling system focussing on only pre-packaged beverages,” added Prof Finkelstein, who is also a health economist with Duke-NUS. “The government has recognised this and will be expanding Nutri-Grade to freshly prepared beverages by the end of 2023.”

“The Duke-NUS study affirms that the Nutri-Grade mark is a good tool in guiding consumers to identify and choose beverages lower in sugar,” said Mr Terence Ng, the Director of Policy and Strategy Development at the Health Promotion Board. “With the extension of these measures to freshly prepared beverages in end 2023, we aim to help Singaporeans reduce sugar consumption through beverages over time.”

For the Duke-NUS research team, the next step will be to evaluate the NG system’s effects using real-world consumer data. They hope that this will provide more detailed evidence that can be used to guide refinement and expansion of the system, which will possibly cover a much wider range of foods.

Drinks graded “A” contain minimal sugar, no sweetener and minimal saturated fat content. Make these drinks your first choice whenever possible.

≤ 1g*

sugar and
no sweetener

≤ 0.7g*

Saturated fat
 

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade A Drinks

Kopi / Teh O Kosong

Bubble Tea, 0% sugar, no milk & toppings Nutri-Grade D

Drinks graded “D” contain the highest sugar and saturated fat content. Limit these drinks whenever possible.

> 10g*

sugar

> 2.8g*

saturated fat

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade D Drinks

Kopi / Teh Ga Dai

Malted Drink Dinosaur

Bubble Tea 100% sugar, with milk & toppings

High sugar intake is linked to increased risk of obesity and diabetes. A 2021 local meta-analysis which included studies on Asian populations found that higher consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a 51% higher risk of diabetes, compared to lower consumption.² The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to take action to reduce individuals’ intake of sugar to as low as possible, stating that “nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet”.^3,4

However, Singaporeans are consuming on average twelve teaspoons (or 58g) of sugar daily.⁵ More than half of Singaporeans’ daily sugar intake comes from beverages, of which pre-packaged beverages contribute 64 per cent and freshly prepared beverages contribute 36 per cent. More needs to be done to further reduce Singaporeans’ sugar intake.

1. Prepacked beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers,

2. Prepacked beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials, etc), and

3. Beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective purchaser of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

Alcoholic beverages, special purpose foods, beverages prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the purchaser are excluded from the definition of “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Here’s how the grades work:

• Grade A: Healthier food options with better nutritional profiles.

• Grade B: Decent nutritional quality but may still contain moderate amounts of sugar, fat, or sodium.

• Grade C: Food that has higher levels of sugar, fat, or sodium, and is considered less healthy.

• Grade D: The least healthy options, typically with high levels of sugar, fat, and/or sodium.

The Nutri-Grade system aims to help consumers make more informed decisions about their food choices, promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the risk of chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition.

The Singapore Government decided to introduce mandatory nutrition labels and advertising prohibitions for Nutri-Grade beverages, after carefully considering the feedback received from public, industry and expert stakeholders, and reviewing existing overseas and local evidence. Together, these measures aim to help consumers identify beverages that are higher in sugar and saturated fat and to reduce the influence of advertising on consumer preferences, thus encouraging more informed, healthier choices and spurring industry reformulation. 

The regulations for beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages from automated beverage dispensers sold in Singapore, came into effect on 30 December 2022. MOH and HPB have published the additional measures in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter, on 30 December 2023.

The additional measures from 30 December 2023 will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in here. Companies must still refer to the relevant legislation in theFood Regulationsand theSpecifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration for the technical requirements for the measures.The regulations and specifications for the additional measures can be found under "Resources".

2.       The Nutri-Grade beverages include beverages prepacked in bottles, cans, cartons or packets; powders or concentrates such as 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage and cordials; and beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers such as fountain drinks and automated coffee machines.

3.       From 30 December 2022, consumers can expect to see the following:

         a) Nutri-Grade beverages graded “C” or “D” will be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark, while labelling of beverages graded “A” or “B” and/or products endorsed with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is optional;

To facilitate implementation of the measures, all Nutri-Grade beverages are also required to provide its nutrition information, specifying the energy value, the amounts of protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, fat and saturated fat. Additional declaration of other nutrients (e.g. lactose/galactose) is also allowed. Only lactose or galactose declared on the NIP would be subtracted from the amount of total sugar for the purpose of Nutri-Grade grading. Where lactose and galactose are not declared on the NIP, their respective amounts are taken as zero.    

Companies are responsible to ensure that the Nutri-Grade mark (if required) and NIP are applied to their products in accordance to the regulations. The images for the Nutri-Grade mark can be downloaded in the “Resources” section below. Companies will not be required to register any product artwork or submit any test result prior to applying the Nutri-Grade mark. Post-market surveillance will be conducted by the relevant authorities to ensure that the regulations are complied with. 

Advertising Prohibitions

Advertisements of Nutri-Grade beverages graded "D", are prohibited across all media platforms (e.g. broadcast, print, out-of-home, on-ground, online) except for advertisements of pre-packaged beverages at point-of-sale (POS) platforms within variety shops (e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores). POS advertisements for pre-packaged Nutri-Grade beverages graded "D" are permitted within variety shops (e.g. promotional signage at supermarkets), but these materials must display the beverage’s Nutri-Grade mark clearly.

Brand advertisements that do not feature any particular product, and advertisements that promote the sale of Nutri-Grade beverages graded "A", "B" or "C" are allowed.

Concession for Smaller Food Businesses

To ensure a smooth transition in implementation, we will first provide a concession to individuals and entities running smaller food businesses that involve the sale or supply of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, if they (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. This is in view of the challenges such individuals and entities may face, such as a lack of resources to determine the grading of the beverages being sold. We will review this concession over time and make the necessary adjustments.

These individuals and entities will still be required to comply with the measures for existing Nutri-Grade beverages in pre-packaged form and non-customisable beverages dispensed from vending machines and automatic beverage dispensers.

Please refer to important industry guidance documents and artwork here below. To download all the industry guidance documents, please click here.

1. Specifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration

The ‘Specifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration' document is mentioned by reference in Regulation 184D(5) of the Food Regulations, and contains important requirements for the Nutri-Grade and Sugar Declaration For Toppings marks. 

2. Industry Guidance Documents

These guidance documents are a general guide to the labelling and advertising requirements for Nutri-Grade beverages sold in Singapore. These are supplementary documents to the Food Regulations. Companies must still refer to relevant legislation in the Food Regulations and the Specifications of the Nutri-Grade mark for the technical requirements for the measures. 

We have released version 2.1 which replaces version 2.0 and serves as a guide to assist industry stakeholders to comply with the current Nutri-Grade measures in effect, and the additional measures coming into force from 30 December 2023. New requirements related to the additional measures are indicated in yellow highlights within the documents. 

A. Usage Guide for Graphic Applications of the Nutri-Grade Mark

English 
Chinese

B. Guidance for implementation of the labelling and advertising requirements for Nutri-Grade beverages

English
Chinese

Apart from the grades, the sugar level of the beverages is shown on the label in the form of percentage of total volume.

You may also find the Nutri-Grade mark on menus when selecting beverages, albeit in a simplified form.

Now that you have the knowledge of Nutri-Grade, it’s time to take action. Look for these labels at grocery stores, restaurants and your bubble tea shops. Furthermore, “D-graded” drinks face advertising restrictions², so you won’t see any ads for drinks with the lowest “D” Nutri-Grade on Singapore TV, newspapers, billboards, or even online. The only exception is for pre-packaged “D” drinks in supermarkets and convenience stores. However, even those ads need to clearly show the drink’s “D” rating.

Make healthy choices

With a clear Nutri-Grade labelling, it is easier for you to make a healthy choice. Here are some of the drinks that you can “Siu Dai” or even better, kosong, to reduce that sugar intake:

Kosong:

• Water: The ultimate refreshing and cost-effective drink!

• Homemade tea: Steep your favourite loose leaf tea or herbal blend, hot or cold.

• Flavoured water: Infuse water with fruits, herbs, or vegetables for a natural twist.

“Siu Dai”:

• Kopi-O/Teh less sweet: Once you get used to the “Siu Dai” taste, you won’t like your full sugar anymore.

• Bubble tea with 50% or 25% sugar: Reducing the sugar percentage in your bubble tea can go a long way.

• Beverages with Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS): Drinks with this symbol contain at least 25% less sugar³ compared to similar products of the same category.

Eating healthy helps you save money

Making healthy choices like opting for less sugar doesn’t just benefit your immediate health, but also your wallet in the long run. Think about it – healthier choices often mean reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and a better quality of life. This translates to less financial strain in the future, allowing you to focus on the things that truly matter.

​Choosing wisely

FWD offers various insurance plans in Singapore, including critical illness insurance, to provide you with peace of mind and financial . By taking charge of your health today with making “Siu Dai” choices and exploring FWD Critical Illness Plus⁴, you’re investing in a brighter, financially secure future for yourself and your loved ones. Making small changes now can lead to big rewards down the road.

FWD Critical Illness Plus provides a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with early and intermediate stages of cancer, heart attack, stroke and 37 late-stage critical illnesses. From S$15.30/month, get a sum insured of S$50k for a 10-year renewable term.*

*Male, aged 18, non-smoking

Products with a NutriScore value of -1 or below receive an A grade, while those with a value between 0 and 2 are classified as B. Products scoring between 3 and 10 receive a C grade, whereas those scoring 11 to 18 are assigned a D grade. Finally, products with a NutriScore value above 19 receive an E grade.

Download the images of the Nutri-Grade mark here. This zipped folder contains:

• Full Nutri-Grade mark – horizontal and vertical variants for Grade A, B, C and D respectively. Horizontal variants should be used as the default, except in situations where application of the horizontal variant in accordance to the usage guide is not possible.

• Simplified Nutri-Grade mark for Grade A, B, C and D respectively

• Full colour-coded scale, to be used with the Simplified Nutri-Grade mark

• Sugar Declaration for Toppings mark

These files for the Nutri-Grade mark can be opened in Adobe Illustrator (or other common graphic design formats) and are in high resolution for resizing (proportionate to the original ratio) and editing of the sugar % based on your product's sugar content. Please note that other forms of modification to the mark is not allowed. Please refer to the usage guide in item (2A) above, for more details regarding the specific applications.

2.       According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet. The WHO has therefore called on countries to take action to reduce individuals' intake of sugar to as low as possible. High sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney failure. The prevalence of obesity among Singapore residents has increased steadily over the years, and while the prevalence of diabetes has stabilised over the past few years, it remains relatively high at about one in 12 Singapore residents. On average, every day, six people in Singapore are diagnosed with kidney failure and may require dialysis. MOH therefore declared a War on Diabetes in 2016, which complements Healthier SG in supporting and empowering individuals to take steps towards better health.

3.       In Singapore, sugar sweetened beverages are the single biggest source of dietary sugar. As part of our efforts to reduce sugar intake, from 30 December 2022, Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions were implemented for beverages sold in Singapore in pre-packaged form and from non-customisable automated beverage dispensers.

4.       From 30 December 2023, the Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions will also apply to freshly prepared beverages sold in:

1. Retail settings, such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets, catering establishments, as well as digital platforms; and

2. Non-retail settings, such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

Consumers who wish to add toppings such as pearls and jellies to their freshly prepared beverages will also have information on their sugar content.

Key features of the measures

5.       The key features of the measures are:

1. Freshly prepared beverages must be graded “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to the Nutri-Grade grading system which is based on the beverages’ sugar and saturated fat content; 

2. If the freshly prepared or existing pre-packaged beverage is graded “C” or “D”, the Nutri-Grade mark must be labelled next to beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus, at their point of purchase. Industry players may use the simplified Nutri-Grade mark on menus where more than one beverage option is listed. The labelling of Nutri-Grade beverages graded “A” or “B” will continue to be optional;

3. Toppings that can be added to freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, such as pearls, jellies, ice cream, and whipped cream, must be labelled with a declaration of their sugar content; and 

4. Advertisements promoting the sale of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited.

6.       For now, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will exempt individuals and entities running smaller food businesses from implementing the Nutri-Grade requirements for freshly prepared beverages. To qualify, such food businesses should (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. We will review this concession over time and adjust if necessary. These businesses will still be required to comply with the measures for pre-packaged beverages and beverages dispensed from non-customisable automatic beverage dispensers.  

7.       A summary of the Nutri-Grade measures and examples of the use of Nutri-Grade marks on menus can be found in the Annex A. Non-compliance with the measures may result in a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offence; and for second or subsequent convictions, a fine of up to $2,000.

Support from industry partners

8.       Supportive industry partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of these additional measures. Since earlier this year, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has been providing guidance and resources, and supporting the industry in their product reformulation to facilitate the implementation of the extended Nutri-Grade measures.

9.       To complement the Nutri-Grade measures, HPB has launched a “Siu Dai by default” movement to encourage F&B operators to offer beverages with less sugar (i.e. Nutri-Grade “B”) as a default, instead of beverages with regular sugar levels (typically Nutri-Grade “C”). To date, three F&B operators, Kopitiam, Kaffe & Toast and Mr Teh Tarik, have expressed interest to join the movement. Kopitiam, for instance, has launched a “Siu Dai” menu at six outlets while hot coffee and tea served in all 28 Mr Teh Tarik outlets will be “Siu Dai by default”. HPB is working closely with key market leaders to encourage more businesses to join this movement.

10.      We encourage Singaporeans to limit their intake of beverages labelled “C” and “D” and choose beverages graded “A” or “B” and/or with the Healthier Choice Symbol, or drink water instead, to further reduce their sugar intake. Consumers can find out more about the beverages graded “A” and “B” on the Nutri-Grade directory at https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/nutrition-hub/nutri-grade-a-and-b-drinks.

As part of the Nutri-Grade requirements, the sugar content of toppings such as pearls, jellies, ice-cream and whipped cream have to be included on menus, posters, signs and other materials. This helps you make better choices when deciding on your order.

2.     The measures aim to further reduce the population’s sugar intake as freshly prepared beverages are another large and growing source of sugar in Singaporeans’ diets. Freshly prepared beverages include freshly brewed coffee or tea, freshly squeezed juices, freshly blended smoothies, bubble tea, freshly prepared herbal drinks, and beverages dispensed from machines.

3.     The additional measures will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

4.     With these additional Nutri-Grade measures, Singaporeans can make better informed, healthier choices through (a) helping consumers identify beverages that have higher levels of sugar and saturated fat, (b) reducing the influence of advertising on consumer preferences, and (c) spurring industry reformulation.

Key Features of the Additional Measures

5.     The key features of the additional measures are:

     a) Freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages must be graded “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to the Nutri-Grade grading system which is based on the beverages’ sugar and saturated fat content;

     b) If the freshly prepared or existing Nutri-Grade beverage is graded “C” or “D”, the Nutri-Grade mark must be labelled next to beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus at their point of purchase. The labelling of Nutri-Grade beverages graded “A” or “B” will continue to be optional. To better help consumers in their decision making when selecting beverages from menus, a simplified Nutri-Grade mark has been developed and is to be placed next to the individual beverage listings. The variants of the Nutri-Grade mark are shown in the following figure.

     c) Information on freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, such as the amount of sugar and saturated fat, must be available to any person who wishes to view the information, either through an electronic record or a physical copy; and

     d) Advertisements promoting the sale of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited.

Concession for Smaller Food Businesses

6.     To ensure a smooth transition in implementation, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) will first provide a concession to individuals and entities running smaller food businesses that involve the sale or supply of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, if they (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. This is in view of the challenges such individuals and entities may face, such as a lack of resources to determine the grading of the beverages being sold. We will review this concession over time and make the necessary adjustments.

7.     These individuals and entities will still be required to comply with the measures for existing Nutri-Grade beverages in pre-packaged form or dispensed from vending machines and non-customisable automatic beverage dispensers.

Consultation and Continued Partnership with Industry Stakeholders

8.     MOH and HPB consulted over 3,000 industry stakeholders, from 9 February to 4 March 2022, to seek their feedback on the implementation of these additional measures. A summary of the stakeholders’ key comments and the Government’s clarifications and responses is available on MOH’s website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/e-consultation/additional-nutrigrade-measures-2023 and HPB’s website at https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/food-beverage/nutri-grade. We thank participants for their feedback and have incorporated it where appropriate.

9.     MOH and HPB are working towards publishing the measures in the Government Gazette in mid-2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter in end 2023. A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in Annex A [PDF 106 KB].

10.     MOH and HPB will continue to work closely with the industry in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to implement these measures. Resources to facilitate the implementation can be found on HPB’s website.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

^* The finalised artwork for the preliminary version of the usage guide has been released at HPB's website (https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/food-beverage/nutri-grade). The final version of the guide will be released by HPB at a later date.

1. Prepacked beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers,

2. Prepacked beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials, etc), and

3. Beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective purchaser of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

Alcoholic beverages, special purpose foods, beverages prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the purchaser are excluded from the definition of “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Nutri-Grade Beverages include:

1. Prepacked beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers,

2. Prepacked beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials, etc), and

3. Beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective purchaser of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

Alcoholic beverages, special purpose foods, beverages prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the purchaser are excluded from the definition of “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

Milk and toppings add saturated fat and sugar. Limit these when ordering bubble tea.

1. Prepacked beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers,

2. Prepacked beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials, etc), and

3. Beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective purchaser of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

Alcoholic beverages, special purpose foods, beverages prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the purchaser are excluded from the definition of “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

2.     The measures aim to further reduce the population’s sugar intake as freshly prepared beverages are another large and growing source of sugar in Singaporeans’ diets. Freshly prepared beverages include freshly brewed coffee or tea, freshly squeezed juices, freshly blended smoothies, bubble tea, freshly prepared herbal drinks, and beverages dispensed from machines.

3.     The additional measures will apply to freshly prepared and existing Nutri-Grade beverages sold in specified settings, which include (i) retail settings such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets and catering establishments, and (ii) non-retail settings such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

4.     With these additional Nutri-Grade measures, Singaporeans can make better informed, healthier choices through (a) helping consumers identify beverages that have higher levels of sugar and saturated fat, (b) reducing the influence of advertising on consumer preferences, and (c) spurring industry reformulation.

Key Features of the Additional Measures

5.     The key features of the additional measures are:

     a) Freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages must be graded “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to the Nutri-Grade grading system which is based on the beverages’ sugar and saturated fat content;

     b) If the freshly prepared or existing Nutri-Grade beverage is graded “C” or “D”, the Nutri-Grade mark must be labelled next to beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus at their point of purchase. The labelling of Nutri-Grade beverages graded “A” or “B” will continue to be optional. To better help consumers in their decision making when selecting beverages from menus, a simplified Nutri-Grade mark has been developed and is to be placed next to the individual beverage listings. The variants of the Nutri-Grade mark are shown in the following figure.

     c) Information on freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, such as the amount of sugar and saturated fat, must be available to any person who wishes to view the information, either through an electronic record or a physical copy; and

     d) Advertisements promoting the sale of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited.

Concession for Smaller Food Businesses

6.     To ensure a smooth transition in implementation, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) will first provide a concession to individuals and entities running smaller food businesses that involve the sale or supply of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, if they (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. This is in view of the challenges such individuals and entities may face, such as a lack of resources to determine the grading of the beverages being sold. We will review this concession over time and make the necessary adjustments.

7.     These individuals and entities will still be required to comply with the measures for existing Nutri-Grade beverages in pre-packaged form or dispensed from vending machines and non-customisable automatic beverage dispensers.

Consultation and Continued Partnership with Industry Stakeholders

8.     MOH and HPB consulted over 3,000 industry stakeholders, from 9 February to 4 March 2022, to seek their feedback on the implementation of these additional measures. A summary of the stakeholders’ key comments and the Government’s clarifications and responses is available on MOH’s website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/e-consultation/additional-nutrigrade-measures-2023 and HPB’s website at https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/food-beverage/nutri-grade. We thank participants for their feedback and have incorporated it where appropriate.

9.     MOH and HPB are working towards publishing the measures in the Government Gazette in mid-2023, to have them come into effect six months thereafter in end 2023. A summary of the new requirements for Nutri-Grade measures can be found in Annex A [PDF 106 KB].

10.     MOH and HPB will continue to work closely with the industry in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to implement these measures. Resources to facilitate the implementation can be found on HPB’s website.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

^* The finalised artwork for the preliminary version of the usage guide has been released at HPB's website (https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/food-beverage/nutri-grade). The final version of the guide will be released by HPB at a later date.

Search inside image

Measures for Nutri-Grade Beverages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4fZfQpDgYM

1. Prepacked beverages that are ready-to-consume and are packed or made up in advance ready for sale in packages such as bottles, cans, cartons, packets or other similar containers,

2. Prepacked beverages that are powders or concentrates that are meant to be reconstituted or diluted with fluids before consumption as a beverage (e.g. 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage, cordials, etc), and

3. Beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers, which are machines that dispense non-prepacked beverages according to a pre-fixed formula, with no option for a prospective purchaser of the beverage to customize the amount of any ingredient in the beverage. This includes fountain drinks and beverages dispensed from automated coffee machines.

Alcoholic beverages, special purpose foods, beverages prepared by hand at the place/premise where they are sold, or those that can be customised by the purchaser are excluded from the definition of “Nutri-Grade beverages”.

“The selection committee recognised the effectiveness of Singapore’s initiative in driving behaviour change at multiple levels – by providing transparent information directly to consumers and by creating a regulatory environment that motivates industry reformulation to reduce the sugar content of drinks,” said a WHO spokesperson.

A key strength of the policy is the ability to expand to other ingredients, such as sodium, the spokesperson added.

This has the potential to “further encourage industry reformulation and reduce the influence of marketing on consumer preferences”, including those of children.

9 in 10 Singapore residents exceed the daily recommended intake of sodium. On average, we consume 3,620 mg of sodium, nearly twice the recommended daily limit of 2,000 mg¹. Over time, consuming excess sodium causes our taste buds to be less sensitive to saltiness, leading us to consume even more salt. This dulling of taste buds also causes us to equate saltiness with tastiness, preventing us from tasting the natural flavours of food.

The ‘Specifications of the Nutri-Grade mark and Sugar Declaration' document is mentioned by reference in Regulation 184D(5) of the Food Regulations, and contains important requirements for the Nutri-Grade and Sugar Declaration For Toppings marks. 

2. Industry Guidance Documents

These guidance documents are a general guide to the labelling and advertising requirements for Nutri-Grade beverages sold in Singapore. These are supplementary documents to the Food Regulations. Companies must still refer to relevant legislation in the Food Regulations and the Specifications of the Nutri-Grade mark for the technical requirements for the measures. 

We have released version 2.1 which replaces version 2.0 and serves as a guide to assist industry stakeholders to comply with the current Nutri-Grade measures in effect, and the additional measures coming into force from 30 December 2023. New requirements related to the additional measures are indicated in yellow highlights within the documents. 

A. Usage Guide for Graphic Applications of the Nutri-Grade Mark

English 
Chinese

B. Guidance for implementation of the labelling and advertising requirements for Nutri-Grade beverages

English
Chinese

3. Nutri-Grade mark

Download the images of the Nutri-Grade mark here. This zipped folder contains:

• Full Nutri-Grade mark – horizontal and vertical variants for Grade A, B, C and D respectively. Horizontal variants should be used as the default, except in situations where application of the horizontal variant in accordance to the usage guide is not possible.

• Simplified Nutri-Grade mark for Grade A, B, C and D respectively

• Full colour-coded scale, to be used with the Simplified Nutri-Grade mark

• Sugar Declaration for Toppings mark

These files for the Nutri-Grade mark can be opened in Adobe Illustrator (or other common graphic design formats) and are in high resolution for resizing (proportionate to the original ratio) and editing of the sugar % based on your product's sugar content. Please note that other forms of modification to the mark is not allowed. Please refer to the usage guide in item (2A) above, for more details regarding the specific applications.

The files are password protected. You may request permission to access these images here.

For other queries, you may contact the Health Promotion Board at the following email address: Nutri-Grade@hpb.gov.sg

4. About HPB’s collaboration with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to offer Nutri-Grade consultancy services

As part of HPB's continuous effort to assist the food & beverage (F&B) industry to comply with the Nutri-Grade regulations, HPB has collaborated with our local institutes of higher learning (IHL)s and their associates with expertise in food science and nutrition to offer consultancy services. The F&B industry, businesses, and the wider public may approach these institutions for consultancy services relating to the Nutri-Grade regulations. Some examples of services* offered may include: F&B labelling, product reformulation, compliance, and implementation of the Nutri-Grade measures.

• Nanyang Polytechnic

• Nanyang Technological University

• National University of Singapore

• Republic Polytechnic

• Singapore Institute of Technology

• Singapore Polytechnic (Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC))

• Temasek Polytechnic

Got a question about Nutri-Grade? Read on to discover the answers to your common queries.

Some soft drinks are graded “A” or “B” while some dairy drinks are Nutri-Grade C or D. Does that mean these soft drinks are healthier?

Why are some sugar-free or low-sugar drinks graded “C” or “D”?

What are the Nutri-Grade guidelines for labelling and advertising?

What’s the difference between the Nutri-Grade mark, the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP)?

Why don't I see any Nutri-Grade marks at my local coffee shop?

For sugar, the recommendation is to limit intake to no more than 10% of total daily energy intake, which is 50g of sugar based on a 2000 calories diet. The average daily sugar intake was 56g in 2022, more than the recommended maximum sugar allowance.

Drinks graded “A” contain minimal sugar, no sweetener and minimal saturated fat content. Make these drinks your first choice whenever possible.

≤ 1g*

sugar and
no sweetener

≤ 0.7g*

Saturated fat
 

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade A Drinks

Kopi / Teh O Kosong

Bubble Tea, 0% sugar, no milk & toppings

While “salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Sodium is a mineral that is found in salt and occurs naturally in foods. Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a compound comprising about 40% sodium and 60% chloride.

Most people think that the main source of sodium is processed foods.

In reality, 64% of our sodium intake comes from salt, sauces and seasonings added when preparing food like stir-fries, marinades, or stocks. Another 10% comes from instant noodles, and the remaining comes from other categories such as processed meats and seafood, bread products, convenience meals and snacks.

Drinks graded “B” have low levels of sugar and saturated fat. These drinks are good options for you and your family.

> 1 to 5g*

sugar

> 0.7 to 1.2g*

saturated fat

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade B Drinks

Kopi / Teh Siu Dai

Malted Drink, Siu Dai

Bubble Tea, 30 - 50% sugar, no milk & toppings

Healthy? No. Drinking this 500ml bottle of Ribena gives you 60% of your daily amount of sugar in one hit. As sugary as a can of Coke, and with almost 100 more calories to boot, you'd do yourself a favour by choosing a less sugary option.

Drinks graded “C” contain a substantial level of sugar and saturated fat. Limit these drinks whenever possible.

> 5 to 10g*

sugar

> 1.2 to 2.8g*

saturated fat

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade C Drinks

Kopi / Teh

Malted Drink

Bubble Tea, 70% sugar, no milk & toppings

Drinks graded “A” contain minimal sugar, no sweetener and minimal saturated fat content. Make these drinks your first choice whenever possible.

≤ 1g*

sugar and
no sweetener

≤ 0.7g*

Saturated fat
 

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade A Drinks

Kopi / Teh O Kosong

Drinks graded “D” contain the highest sugar and saturated fat content. Limit these drinks whenever possible.

> 10g*

sugar

> 2.8g*

saturated fat

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade D Drinks

Kopi / Teh Ga Dai

Malted Drink Dinosaur

Bubble Tea 100% sugar, with milk & toppings

Drinks graded Nutri-Grade C and D must display the Nutri-Grade mark on their packaging or on menus and other materials. On the other hand, Nutri-Grade labelling is optional for drinks graded “A” and “B”.

To manage your sugar and saturated fat intake, limit Nutri-Grade C and D drinks and go for healthier choice or Nutri-Grade A or B drinks or simply choose water.

Learn more about the Nutri-Grade guidelines here.

Milk and toppings add saturated fat and sugar. Limit these when ordering bubble tea.

39 grams

There are 39 grams of sugar in a 12 oz Coca‑Cola can. Our smaller portion sizes, like our 7.5 oz mini soda can, have less sugar and fewer calories. Coca‑Cola comes in several sizes (availability varies based on geography).

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/nuh-s-healthy-keto-diet-leads-to-weight-loss-without-increasing-bad-cholesterol-levels

Understanding how much sugar and saturated fat is in your drink can be confusing, and you can end up having too much without realising it. While saturated fat is not something you would usually associate with drinks, full-fat dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, creamer, full-fat milk, etc. are high in saturated fat and are often added to drinks to improve their “mouth feel”. But having too much of both sugar and saturated fat can mask the authentic flavours of drinks and increase your risk of diabetes.

Nutri-Grade “grades” your drinks based on their sugar and saturated fat levels. Think of this as a combined score. Drinks graded “A” have the lowest sugar and saturated fat content, while drinks graded “D” have the highest.

¹ UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Health: Saturated fats and health (2018); Meyer et al. (2001); Riserus, Willet and Hu

Healthier choice drinks are Nutri-Grade A or B.

Key Features of Nutri-Score:

• Color-coded scale: The label uses a color system that ranges from green (A) to red (E), with A representing healthier options and E representing less healthy ones.

• Nutritional factors: The score takes into account factors like:

  • Energy (calories)

  • Saturated fat

  • Sugar content

  • Salt

  • The presence of beneficial ingredients like fruits, vegetables, fibers, and protein.

• Focus: It aims to make it easier for consumers to compare different food products based on their nutritional quality at a glance.

Nutri-Score is widely used in Europe, particularly in countries like France, Belgium, and Germany, and it is endorsed by some national health authorities as a tool to improve public health. It can appear on packaged food items to guide consumers toward healthier choices when shopping.

Did you know that water quenches thirst better than sugar-sweetened beverages? If you want a sweetened drink, opt for a healthier option that's lower in sugar or no added sugar by looking out for the Healthier Choice Symbol or Nutri-Grade A or B marks.

What is sugar?

Sugar is essentially a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in a wide range of nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables, grains and dairy.

Sugar is often added during food processing to enhance flavours or act as a preservative. Added sugars are largely empty calories that provide little to no nutrients and should be consumed in moderation.

As part of the Nutri-Grade requirements, the sugar content of toppings such as pearls, jellies, ice-cream and whipped cream have to be included on menus, posters, signs and other materials. This helps you make better choices when deciding on your order.

Did you know?

Milk and toppings add saturated fat and sugar. Limit these when ordering bubble tea.

Example of a bubble tea menu with the Nutri-Grade mark and sugar content of toppings

²For freshly prepared drinks, smaller food businesses are exempted from the mandatory Nutri-Grade C and D labelling if they (a) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (b) sell or supply those drinks at fewer than 10 food premises.

In addition to eating healthier meals, being physically active is essential to maintaining good health. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

What are calories?

Calories counting seem to be necessary when we want to get started on a healthy eating journey. But how many of us actually understand what calories are and how to count them?

Easily track your daily calorie intake with the meal log tool on the Healthy 365 app

Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst. Coffee and tea, without added sweeteners, are healthy choices, too. Some beverages should be limited or consumed in moderation, including fruit juice, milk, and those made with low-calorie sweeteners, like diet drinks.

For optimal health, eat a wide variety of foods from all the food groups. Try different wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, meat and other protein-rich foods including those containing calcium.

Rollout of Nutri-Grade Mark on 30 December 2022

29 December 2022

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

       The mandatory nutrition labelling and advertising prohibition measures for beverages sold in Singapore in prepacked form and from automated beverage dispensers (collectively, “Nutri-Grade beverages”) will come into effect on 30 December 2022. Nutri-Grade beverages will be graded as “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to their sugar and saturated fat content.

2.       The Nutri-Grade beverages include beverages prepacked in bottles, cans, cartons or packets; powders or concentrates such as 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage and cordials; and beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers such as fountain drinks and automated coffee machines.

3.       From 30 December 2022, consumers can expect to see the following:

         a) Nutri-Grade beverages graded “C” or “D” will be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark, while labelling of beverages graded “A” or “B” and/or products endorsed with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is optional;

         b) Nutri-Grade beverages will carry a nutrition information panel (NIP) specifying the energy value, the amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat, total sugar and saturated fat in the beverage; and

         c) Advertisements related to Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited, except in certain circumstances detailed in regulation 184F(2) in the Food Regulations.

4.         Since the announcement of the nutrition labelling and advertising prohibition measures in October 2019, manufacturers have progressively labelled their products with Nutri-Grade marks, reformulated their beverages and introduced more lower-sugar and lower-fat choices ahead of the implementation date.

5.         Overall, the median sugar level of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages has reduced from 7.1% in FY2017 to 4.6% in FY2021 and close to two-thirds of these beverages in the market are now graded “A” or “B”. This is more than double compared to FY2017, where only about 30% of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages in the market would have been graded “A” or “B”. Currently, one in five beverages in the market is tagged with HCS. These beverages are also graded “A” or “B”.

6.         We have seen an encouraging increase in the sales of beverages which would have been graded “A” and “B”, from 37% in FY2017 to 71% in FY2021. There are now more healthier alternatives such as low- and zero-sugar options for sodas, Asian drinks and ready-to-drink teas. Some higher sugar juices have been reformulated through mixing with lower-sugar fruits and vegetables, or reconstituted to become a juice drink. The range of healthier all-in-one coffees and teas with lower saturated fat has also increased from 24% in FY2017 to 36% in FY2021.

7.         To reduce sugar intake, consumers are encouraged to limit their intake of beverages labelled “C” or “D”, and choose healthier beverages graded “A” or “B”, beverages labelled with HCS, or simply drink water instead.

8.         Consumers can find more information about Nutri-Grade including the list of healthier drinks graded “A” and “B” on HealthHub at https://go.gov.sg/nutri-grade. Consumers can also expect to see accompanying consumer educational messages at retail stores while shopping in the coming months.

9.         The Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board will extend similar measures to freshly prepared beverages that are scheduled to come into effect by end of 2023. More details will be released later.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
29 DECEMBER 2022

Buy groceries/meals with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS). When ordering food, ask for less sauces/gravy and refrain from drinking it all.

Try healthier cooking methods such as boiling, grilling, roasting, baking, stir-frying and steaming instead of deep frying.

Having drinks with your friends? Healthy adult men should drink no more than 2 standard drinks a day, and women should drink no more than 1 standard drink a day. A standard drink is 1 can (330ml) of regular beer with 5% alcohol content, ½ glass (100ml) of wine with 15% alcohol content, where the glass height is not more than 15cm, or 1 shot (30ml) of spirits with 40% alcohol content.

The Nutri-Score takes into account various factors such as:

1. Positive components (e.g., the amount of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein).

2. Negative components (e.g., energy content, sugar, salt, and saturated fats).

By simplifying the nutritional profile, Nutri-Score aims to help consumers make healthier food choices at a glance, promoting better diets and improving public health.

Would you like more information on how it works or its impact?

What are the different types of fats?

While we all know fats are a concentrated source of calories, it’s still essential for our body’s needs. Let us learn more about fats and how to get the most out of it.

There are 4 different types of fats - polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), monounsaturated fats (MUFA), trans fats, and saturated fats (SFA). These fats can affect our health differently so be sure to choose healthier options!

Vitamin E, selenium
& phytic acid

Help prevent damage to
your blood vessels

Soluble fibre

Helps lower blood
cholesterol and promotes bowel function

Fibre

Adds bulk to your diet and
helps you feel full, reducing
the risk of overeating

Trans fats are formed when unsaturated fats undergo hydrogenation. Trans fats come from two sources - natural and artificial. Natural trans fats occur in dairy products and red meats such as beef and lamb; while artificial trans fats come mainly from partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in processed foods like snacks, baked goods, prepared meals and fat spreads. Currently, there is a ban on PHOs in Singapore, so products like frozen cakes and fat spread have been reformulated to be PHO-free.

What is protein?

Protein can be found in poultry, red meat, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese. Plant-based protein such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh, nuts, beans and legumes are also good sources of protein.

Protein sources are packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B and zinc. Fish also contains beneficial fats like Omega-3 fatty acids.

Protein is the building block of almost everything in your body. It helps to build and repair body tissues, as well as regulate bodily functions. This is why you need protein in your diet to help keep your muscles, bones, organs, skin and nails healthy.

Nutri-Score is a food choice logo from France and helps to choose products with a better composition. The logo gives an overall score for a food product  based on the nutritional value, looking at the positives and negatives of  the product. Examples of negatives are calories, sugar, saturated fat and salt. Positives are vegetables, fruit, legumes, fibre and protein. 

The system gives points for each positive or negative based on the ceiling limit for its amount in the product. Next, it deducts the points for the positives from the points for the negatives to give a total score. Based on this total score, it gives the product an A, B, C, D or E. A dark green ‘A’ means the product has a better composition than the same type of product with  a dark orange ‘E’. It does not mean that a product with an A or B is healthy, but it is a better choice than the same type of product with an orange D.

Food choice logos like Nutri-Score help people compare products and make better food choices. De Nutri-Score is especially useful for foods that are not included in the Wheel of Five. The Wheel of Five remains the advice for healthy food. For more information about Nutri-Score, see Nutriscore.nl(link is external). A calculation tool(link is external) is available for companies. They can use it to calculate a product’s Nutri-Score.

What is RIVM’s role in Nutri-Score?

The Netherlands and six other countries are working out how to use the Nutri-Score food choice logo and make its use easier. The other countries are France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland. They are working together in two international bodies: a steering group and a scientific committee. RIVM and the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport are both representing the Netherlands in these bodies.

The steering group is coordinating the introduction of Nutri-Score in each country. Nutri-Score uses an algorithm to calculate a food product’s score. The scientific committee is investigating if changes to this algorithm can help match the score to the countries’ dietary guidelines. And if so, how. RIVM is working on a literature review and making calculations, so it can offer advice. RIVM is also taking part in working groups and answers the involved parties’ questions about the subject matter and technical aspects on behalf of the international technical committee.

Study: how to match Nutri-Score to the Wheel of Five

In the run-up to the introduction of a new food choice logo, RIVM worked with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre in 2019 on a study in which three European food choice logos were compared with the Dutch guidelines the Wheel of Five. The three logos were the Scandinavian Keyhole, the British Multiple Traffic Light and the French Nutri-Score. All of these logos were able to help people rank food products based on how healthy they are. Nutri-Score was found to do this slightly better than Multiple Traffic Light. Based on the results of this study, the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport has decided that Nutri-Score is the food choice logo we should use in the Netherlands.

In 2021, RIVM did a study to ascertain the match between Nutri-Score and the Dutch dietary guidelines(link is external). This study revealed that Nutri-Score is not yet a good match for all the food product groups in the Dutch guidelines (for example, cake and pastries, bread and cereal products, milk and dairy beverages, cheese and processed meats). Given this fact, RIVM advised that the Nutri-Score algorithm needed to be updated.

The updated Nutri-Score algorithm

Because Nutri-Score was originally developed for France, it was not a sufficient match with the dietary guidelines applicable in various European countries. Therefore, the scientific committee launched a study(link is external) to identify how to improve the algorithm’s match with the various dietary guidelines. The algorithm for solid foods(link is external) was updated in 2022, followed by the algorithm for beverages(link is external) in March 2023. The steering group adopted the new algorithms and the Health Council of the Netherlands published an advisory report(link is external)  about them. The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport then decided(link is external) to introduce Nutri-Score in the Netherlands on 1 January 2024 based on the study by the scientific committee and the advisory report of the Health Council of the Netherlands. 

Nutri-Score as a motivator for product improvement?

Food choice logos like Nutri-Score can also motivate companies to improve their products. RIVM investigated this in a theoretical way in 2021(link is external). Lowering the amounts of sugar and salt or raising the amounts of positive ingredients (like the percentage of vegetables in a meal) will improve the Nutri-Score of a product. The company can then sell the product (for example a meal with more vegetables and less salt) as a better choice compared to products that have not been improved. A better Nutri-Score can motivate consumers to choose a particular product.

Recently, RIVM looked at the supply of food products in the Netherlands(link is external) and in various other European countries(link is external). In the Netherlands, breakfast cereals, meat preserves and sweets ands sweets goods had a lower sugar and/or saturated fat content in 2020 compared to 2018. In five European countries, breakfast cereals and processed potato products had less salt and bread products had less sugar between 2019 and 2021. In both studies, the RIVM calculated a more favorable Nutri-Score for these product groups. Nutri-Score could therefore be an incentive for product improvement. Monitoring should show to what extent manufacturers are encouraged by Nutri-Score to improve foods.

NAPV product criteria and Nutri-Score

In early 2022, RIVM published ceiling limits as part of the National Approach to Product Improvement (NAPV). The limits help producers to lower the amounts of salt, saturated fat and sugar in food products, one step at a time. In July 2023, the ceiling limits were, where possible, brought in line with the (new) Nutri-Score cut-off points.

Monitoring Nutri-Score

RIVM will monitor the use of Nutri-Score. The distribution of scores A-E and changes in the composition of food products will be monitored as well. Data from the Food Database(link is external) (Levensmiddelendatabank) will be used for this purpose.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4fZfQpDgYM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg0fPMymTt0

Possible complications include:

• Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. ...

• Nerve damage from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). ...

• Kidney damage from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy). ...

• Eye damage from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). ...

• Foot damage. ...

• Skin and mouth conditions. ...

• Hearing impairment. ...

• Alzheimer's disease.

7. Avoid or Minimize Processed Ingredients

• Choose whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible. Processed foods tend to have higher sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, which negatively impact the Nutri-Grade score.

• Read labels carefully to avoid hidden unhealthy ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavoring, and preservatives.

8. Consider the Overall Product Composition

• For manufacturers or product developers, adjust the product composition (i.e., ratios of ingredients) to optimize the nutritional value. This includes balancing macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) and micronutrients.

9. Compliance with Nutritional Standards

• Ensure the food product meets the specific Nutri-Grade criteria for your region. The thresholds for Nutri-Grade ratings are often based on the presence of excess sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, so understanding the regulations and requirements for your specific market is essential.

10. Promote Healthier Alternatives

• If you're a business or brand, you could opt to produce versions of your food with improved nutritional profiles, such as low-sugar, reduced-sodium, or low-fat versions, which can help you achieve a better Nutri-Grade rating.

Example: Improving Nutri-Grade for a Soft Drink

If you're trying to improve the Nutri-Grade of a sugary beverage, consider:

• Reducing sugar content by using a lower-calorie sweetener or diluting the product with water or natural fruit juices.

• Replacing artificial flavorings with natural flavors.

• Increasing the proportion of real fruit juice if appropriate, which adds vitamins and fiber.

By making these adjustments, you can lower the Nutri-Grade of a food product, which generally translates to a healthier option for consumers.

It has not increased much as compared to the 59g from 2010, almost 10 years before. However, that is still a lot of sugar.

HPB recommends less than 40 – 55g of added sugar a day. To be honest, this is higher than expected. About ⅔ of the majority of Singaporeans’ daily sugar (40g) intake comes from canned and packet drinks.

The logo provides a score for the product using colors and letters. Independent scientists developed this system, wherein products earn points for protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while losing points for energy content (kcal), sugars, saturated fat, and salt.

Based on the total score, products are assigned an A, B, C, D, or E rating, with a dark green A representing the healthiest composition and a dark orange E indicating the least healthy option.

The Nutri-Score calculation is fully integrated into the SAP Recipe Development module, enabling real-time assessment. This integration allows product developers to gain insights into a product's expected Nutri-Score and observe the impact of any changes on the score.

Nutri-Score is recommended by the governments of Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and Spain. In Portugal, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria, companies can voluntarily adopt it

Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• Urinating large amounts.

• Excessive thirst.

• Feeling tired.

• Frequent hunger.

• Dry mouth.

• Weight loss.

• Blurred vision.

• Recurrent infections (e.g., urinary infections, skin infections)

Looking for drinks that are lower in sugar and saturated fat? Discover a wide range of Nutri-Grade A or B drinks and check if your favourite drinks make the grade. Nutri-Grade A or B drinks may also carry the Healthier Choice Symbol to help guide you towards making healthier drink choices.

Fatty meat and lard are high in saturated fats. Too much saturated fats can cause cholesterol to build up in your blood vessels, hence increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Remove visible fats in meats to cut down your intake of saturated fats.

Overconsumption of sugar can lead to obesity which can lead to diabetes which can lead to kidney failure. This is why the ban on sugary drink ads was mentioned in a congress on kidney failure treatment.

Looking for drinks lower in sugar and saturated fat? Use the directory below to find Nutri-Grade A & B drinks or see if your favourite drinks make the grade. Learn more about Nutri-Grade here.

Note: Some Nutri-Grade A and B drinks also carry the healthier choice identifier. All healthier choice drinks are Nutri-Grade A or B. These drinks may carry both these marks, just one or neither.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piqrRdgppPo

Limit your intake of preserved and processed meat like luncheon meat and sausages, as they are low in protein and high in saturated fats and sodium. Consuming processed meat can also increase the risk of heart and kidney diseases.

Prepacked drinks on the markets will be ranked from A to D based on their sugar and saturated fat content.

Consume a mix of protein from fresh foods. These contain healthy fats and are good sources of nutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc, and vitamin B

Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Try milk, yoghurt, cheese, tofu, calcium-enriched soy milk and sardines, which are rich in protein and calcium.

29 December 2022

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

       The mandatory nutrition labelling and advertising prohibition measures for beverages sold in Singapore in prepacked form and from automated beverage dispensers (collectively, “Nutri-Grade beverages”) will come into effect on 30 December 2022. Nutri-Grade beverages will be graded as “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to their sugar and saturated fat content.

2.       The Nutri-Grade beverages include beverages prepacked in bottles, cans, cartons or packets; powders or concentrates such as 3-in-1 instant coffee beverage and cordials; and beverages dispensed from automated beverage dispensers such as fountain drinks and automated coffee machines.

3.       From 30 December 2022, consumers can expect to see the following:

         a) Nutri-Grade beverages graded “C” or “D” will be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark, while labelling of beverages graded “A” or “B” and/or products endorsed with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is optional;

         b) Nutri-Grade beverages will carry a nutrition information panel (NIP) specifying the energy value, the amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat, total sugar and saturated fat in the beverage; and

         c) Advertisements related to Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited, except in certain circumstances detailed in regulation 184F(2) in the Food Regulations.

4.         Since the announcement of the nutrition labelling and advertising prohibition measures in October 2019, manufacturers have progressively labelled their products with Nutri-Grade marks, reformulated their beverages and introduced more lower-sugar and lower-fat choices ahead of the implementation date.

5.         Overall, the median sugar level of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages has reduced from 7.1% in FY2017 to 4.6% in FY2021 and close to two-thirds of these beverages in the market are now graded “A” or “B”. This is more than double compared to FY2017, where only about 30% of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages in the market would have been graded “A” or “B”. Currently, one in five beverages in the market is tagged with HCS. These beverages are also graded “A” or “B”.

6.         We have seen an encouraging increase in the sales of beverages which would have been graded “A” and “B”, from 37% in FY2017 to 71% in FY2021. There are now more healthier alternatives such as low- and zero-sugar options for sodas, Asian drinks and ready-to-drink teas. Some higher sugar juices have been reformulated through mixing with lower-sugar fruits and vegetables, or reconstituted to become a juice drink. The range of healthier all-in-one coffees and teas with lower saturated fat has also increased from 24% in FY2017 to 36% in FY2021.

7.         To reduce sugar intake, consumers are encouraged to limit their intake of beverages labelled “C” or “D”, and choose healthier beverages graded “A” or “B”, beverages labelled with HCS, or simply drink water instead.

8.         Consumers can find more information about Nutri-Grade including the list of healthier drinks graded “A” and “B” on HealthHub at https://go.gov.sg/nutri-grade. Consumers can also expect to see accompanying consumer educational messages at retail stores while shopping in the coming months.

9.         The Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board will extend similar measures to freshly prepared beverages that are scheduled to come into effect by end of 2023. More details will be released later.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
29 DECEMBER 2022

Low-fat or non-fat dairy products provide protein and calcium without the extra fats and calories, helping you maintain a healthy weight.

For Tier C and D, it will be mandatory for them to be labelled with Nutri-Grade marks

Understanding how much sugar and saturated fat is in your drink can be confusing, and you can end up having too much without realising it. While saturated fat is not something you would usually associate with drinks, full-fat dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, creamer, full-fat milk, etc. are high in saturated fat and are often added to drinks to improve their “mouth feel”. But having too much of both sugar and saturated fat can mask the authentic flavours of drinks and increase your risk of diabetes.

Nutri-Grade “grades” your drinks based on their sugar and saturated fat levels. Think of this as a combined score. Drinks graded “A” have the lowest sugar and saturated fat content, while drinks graded “D” have the highest.

¹ UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Health: Saturated fats and health (2018); Meyer et al. (2001); Riserus, Willet and Hu

Where can you find the Nutri-Grade mark?

The Nutri-Grade mark can be found on both packaged drinks and on menus or menu boards for freshly prepared drinks like kopi, teh, malted drinks, bubble tea, shakes, smoothies and more.

If you want to find out how much sugar is in your drink, simply look out for the sugar percentage indicated on the Nutri-Grade mark!

Spot Nutri-Grade on packaged drinks and on menus

What are the Nutri-Grade guidelines?

Drinks graded Nutri-Grade C and D must display the Nutri-Grade mark on their packaging or on menus and other materials. On the other hand, Nutri-Grade labelling is optional for drinks graded “A” and “B”.

To manage your sugar and saturated fat intake, limit Nutri-Grade C and D drinks and go for healthier choice or Nutri-Grade A or B drinks or simply choose water.

Learn more about the Nutri-Grade guidelines here.

What do the grades “A” to “D” mean?

Click on the grades below to learn about their corresponding range of sugar and saturated fat content and more.

NUTRI-GRADE

Nutri-Grade A

Drinks graded “A” contain minimal sugar, no sweetener and minimal saturated fat content. Make these drinks your first choice whenever possible.

≤ 1g*

sugar and
no sweetener

≤ 0.7g*

Saturated fat
 

*per 100 ml of the drink

Examples of Nutri-Grade A Drinks

Kopi / Teh O Kosong

Bubble Tea, 0% sugar, no milk & toppings

Did you know?

Healthier choice drinks are Nutri-Grade A or B.

Know your toppings better with Nutri-Grade

As part of the Nutri-Grade requirements, the sugar content of toppings such as pearls, jellies, ice-cream and whipped cream have to be included on menus, posters, signs and other materials. This helps you make better choices when deciding on your order.

Did you know?

Milk and toppings add saturated fat and sugar. Limit these when ordering bubble tea.

Example of a bubble tea menu with the Nutri-Grade mark and sugar content of toppings

²For freshly prepared drinks, smaller food businesses are exempted from the mandatory Nutri-Grade C and D labelling if they (a) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (b) sell or supply those drinks at fewer than 10 food premises.

Nutri-Grade A and B drinks

Quench your curiosity

Got a question about Nutri-Grade? Read on to discover the answers to your common queries.

Some soft drinks are graded “A” or “B” while some dairy drinks are Nutri-Grade C or D. Does that mean these soft drinks are healthier?

Nutri-Grade is based on the sugar and saturated fat content of drinks, both of which are linked to a higher risk of diabetes.

Dairy drinks such as full-fat milk are graded "C" or "D" due to their higher saturated fat content. However, full-fat milk is recognised as a good source of other nutrients like protein and calcium. For 1 – 2 year-olds, full-fat milk is necessary to provide adequate fat, protein, vitamins and minerals essential for their growth and development.

On the other hand, while some soft drinks are lower in sugar, they contain little or zero nutrients. It’s better to choose water which is an excellent thirst quencher and contains no sugar or saturated fat.

Why are some sugar-free or low-sugar drinks graded “C” or “D”?

What are the Nutri-Grade guidelines for labelling and advertising?

What’s the difference between the Nutri-Grade mark, the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP)?

Why don't I see any Nutri-Grade marks at my local coffee shop?

Looking for drinks that are lower in sugar and saturated fat? Discover a wide range of Nutri-Grade A or B drinks and check if your favourite drinks make the grade. Nutri-Grade A or B drinks may also carry the Healthier Choice Symbol to help guide you towards making healthier drink choices.

CONTRIBUTED BYHealth Promotion Board

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Nutri-Grade A & B Drinks

Looking for drinks lower in sugar and saturated fat? Use the directory below to find Nutri-Grade A & B drinks or see if your favourite drinks make the grade. Learn more about Nutri-Grade here.

Note: Some Nutri-Grade A and B drinks also carry the healthier choice identifier. All healthier choice drinks are Nutri-Grade A or B. These drinks may carry both these marks, just one or neither.

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137 Degrees

Almond Milk Original

137 Degrees

Almond Milk Original Unsweetened

137 Degrees

Almond Milk With Avocado & Mixed Vegetable

137 Degrees

Walnut Milk Original

1degreec

Strong Black Cold Brew Coffee

21st Century

Herbal Slimming Japanese Green Tea

21st Century

Herbal Slimming Tea

21st Century

Herbal Slimming Tea Cranberry

21st Century

Herbal Slimming Tea Honey Lemon

24 Mantra

Organic Assam Tea

24 Mantra

Organic Green Tea

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Organic Tulsi Ginger Tea

24 Mantra

Organic Tulsi Green Tea

24 Mantra

Organic Tulsi Tea