The food and beverage industry in Indonesia continues to grow, driven by increasing public awareness of health. One of the key initiatives introduced by the government to support healthier consumption patterns is the implementation of the Nutri-Level label on food products.
This label has become widely discussed as it not only affects consumers but also brings significant changes to players in the food and beverage (F&B) industry.
So, what exactly is Nutri-Level? How does it work? And what impact does it have on the food industry?
What is Nutri-Level?
Nutri-Level is a front-of-pack nutrition labeling system based on letters and colors (A–D) that indicates the level of Sugar, Salt, and Fat content in a food or beverage product.
This system is designed to make nutritional information easier and faster to understand without having to read complex nutrition tables.
In simple terms:
- A (Dark Green): Lowest sugar, salt, and fat content (healthier)
- B (Light Green): Low content
- C (Yellow): Moderate content, should be consumed wisely
- D (Red): High content, should be limited
In other words, the closer the label is to red, the higher the content that needs attention.
This system allows consumers to quickly understand the nutritional quality of a product just by looking at the front of the packaging.
Regulatory Basis of Nutri-Level in Indonesia
The implementation of Nutri-Level in Indonesia is driven by government policy, including:
Minister of Health Decree (KMK) No. HK.01.07/MENKES/301/2026
This policy aims to:
- Reduce excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat
- Prevent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease
- Provide easier-to-understand nutritional information for the public
In addition, this policy is supported by revised regulations from BPOM regarding Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL).
Why is Nutri-Level Important?
1. Helps Consumers Make Healthier Choices
Many consumers find traditional nutrition labels difficult to understand. Nutri-Level simplifies the information, making purchasing decisions quicker and more accurate.
2. Reduces the Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases
Excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat is linked to diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
These conditions are among the leading causes of death in Indonesia and are often influenced by long-term dietary habits.
3. Supports Mass Nutrition Education
With its simple visual system, Nutri-Level serves as an effective tool for educating the public about healthier food choices.
How Does Nutri-Level Work?
Nutri-Level is determined based on the content of sugar, salt, and fat per 100 ml or 100 grams of a product.
General overview:
| Level | Sugar | Salt | Fat |
| A | Very low | Very low | Very low |
| B | Low | Low | Low |
| C | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| D | High | High | High |
The higher the content, the closer the product is categorized as level D (red).
Impact of Nutri-Level on the Food Industry
The implementation of Nutri-Level not only affects consumers but also significantly impacts the F&B industry.
1. Encourages Product Reformulation
Manufacturers are encouraged to:
- Reduce sugar content
- Lower saturated fat
- Control salt usage
The goal is to achieve level A or B, which are more preferred by consumers.
2. Increases Product Transparency
The label makes it easier for consumers to compare products, pushing brands to be more transparent about their quality.
3. Shifts Competition Toward Quality
Competition is no longer just about price and taste, but also:
- Nutritional value
- Ingredient composition
- Health impact
4. Opens Opportunities for Product Innovation
Nutri-Level creates opportunities for businesses to develop:
- Low-sugar beverages
- Healthier product options
- More efficient ingredient formulations
Challenges in Implementing Nutri-Level
Despite its benefits, Nutri-Level also presents several challenges:
- Not all consumers immediately understand the system
- Additional education is needed to avoid misinterpretation
- The industry requires time to adjust product formulations
Experts also emphasize that Nutri-Level is not a standalone solution and should be supported by broader policies such as nutrition education and food marketing regulations.
The Role of Ingredients in Supporting Healthier Products
In the food industry, product quality is not only determined by branding but also by the ingredients used.
To achieve better Nutri-Level ratings, businesses need to:
- Choose ingredients with stable quality
- Control fat and sugar composition
- Use ingredients that are easy to formulate
This is where ingredient suppliers play a crucial role.
Santos Premium Krimer and Nutri-Level
In the modern F&B industry, creamer is widely used in various products such as:
- Coffee and trending beverages
- Instant drinks
- Desserts and bakery
Santos Premium Krimer provides ingredient solutions designed to support:
- Consistent taste
- Product stability
- Formulation flexibility
With standardized quality, the right creamer helps businesses:
- Control product composition
- Adjust formulations based on market needs
- Develop more competitive products in the Nutri-Level era
Nutri-Level and the Future of the Food Industry
The implementation of Nutri-Level reflects a shift toward a more transparent and health-conscious food industry.
Moving forward, this trend will:
- Encourage healthier product innovation
- Improve industry quality standards
- Shape more conscious consumer behavior
As Nutri-Level becomes more widely adopted, F&B businesses are required to be more adaptive in managing product composition, especially regarding sugar, salt, and fat content.
One strategic approach is collaborating with flexible ingredient suppliers.
Santos Premium Krimer not only provides high-quality creamer products but also offers customizable solutions tailored to business needs. This allows companies to develop products aligned with Nutri-Level targets or adjusting nutritional profiles based on market segmentation.
With an experienced team and standardized production systems, Santos Premium Krimer is ready to support businesses in creating products that are not only delicious but also aligned with evolving regulations and health-conscious consumption trends.
