Dutch supermarket app suggests and compares healthiest brands

Dutch organisation Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) has launched a new app that enables supermarket shoppers to scan products to find the healthiest option.

Government-backed Nutrition Centre said the app aims to make reading labels easier and cut out the hassle of deciphering small print.

After scanning a product, shoppers see the nutritional values and ingredients on their phones. They can customise it to pay extra attention to calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugar, fibre or salt, with the most important to the consumer appearing at the top of their screen.

The comparison tool allows shoppers to compare the nutritional profile of up to three products, letting them to choose the healthiest brand available. They can also manually type in the brand name to browse categories.

Funded by the Dutch government to promote healthy eating, Nutrition Centre said it provides independent nutritional information based on scientific evidence.

The organisation said a unique feature of the app is that information comes from manufacturers’ databases, ensuring that recipe changes stay up to date.

Dutch health secretary Paul Blokhuis said: “The new app from Nutrition Centre is a wonderful asset for everyone who wants to eat healthier.

“In the supermarket or at the breakfast table you can quickly and simply see with your mobile whether a product is the right choice for you and the people around you. Making healthy choices is one step closer for everyone.”

A Nutrition Centre spokesperson added: “The app makes reading labels much easier and more fun. We hope to unleash a revolution in the supermarket.”