HFSS Calculator (UK Nutrient Profiling Model)
Score a food or drink on the UK 2004/05 nutrient profiling model, the test behind the HFSS promotion, placement and advertising rules, and see the proposed 2018 score alongside. Enter the values per 100 g, or per 100 mL with the specific gravity.
Only for values per 100 mL. Water is 1.0; most soft drinks 1.03 to 1.05.
Enter kJ, or leave it blank to use kcal x 4.184.
Scored as sodium: salt x 400 = sodium (mg).
Dried fruit and veg and tomato puree count double. Potatoes do not count.
Used by the 2018 model only. Leave blank to use total sugars, which is right for most drinks without dairy and can overstate other products.
Below the threshold, so the HFSS restrictions do not apply to this product, whatever its category. Re-check when the recipe changes.
| Component | Per 100 g | Points | To lose a point |
|---|---|---|---|
| A points (count against) | |||
| Energy | 0 kJ | 0 / 10 | |
| Saturates | 0 g | 0 / 10 | |
| Total sugars | 0 g | 0 / 10 | |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0 / 10 | |
| A total | 0 | ||
| C points (count for) | |||
| Fruit, vegetables and nuts | 0 % | 0 / 5 | |
| Fibre (AOAC) | 0 g | 0 / 5 | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 / 5 | |
| C total | 0 | ||
| Score (A minus C) | 0 | ||
Still not HFSS under the 2018 model.
Not in force yet. The government consulted until 17 June 2026 on using this model for the UK advertising rules and the England promotion and placement rules, with 12 months proposed for businesses to adapt once the law changes. No start date has been set.
Free sugars left blank, so total sugars were used.
| Component | Per 100 g | Points | To lose a point |
|---|---|---|---|
| A points (count against) | |||
| Energy | 0 kJ | 0 / 10 | |
| Saturates | 0 g | 0 / 10 | |
| Free sugars | 0 g | 0 / 10 | |
| Salt | 0 g | 0 / 10 | |
| A total | 0 | ||
| C points (count for) | |||
| Fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds | 0 % | 0 / 5 | |
| Fibre (AOAC) | 0 g | 0 / 10 | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 / 5 | |
| C total | 0 | ||
| Score (A minus C) | 0 | ||
The 13 categories in scope
Soft drinks with added sugar; savoury snacks; breakfast cereals; confectionery; ice cream and similar frozen products; cakes and cupcakes; sweet biscuits and cereal, nut or seed bars; morning goods such as croissants; desserts and puddings; sweetened yoghurt and fromage frais; pizza; roast potatoes, chips, fries and wedges; ready meals, meal centres and breaded or battered products.
Source: Department of Health, Nutrient Profiling Technical Guidance (January 2011). The England promotion and placement rules and the UK advertising rules use this 2004/05 model.
Source for the 2018 model: DHSC, Nutrient profiling model 2018: technical guidance (January 2026).
Scotland and Wales are bringing in their own placement and promotion rules on the 2004/05 model. This is a guide, not legal advice.
The UK Nutrient Profiling Model and HFSS
"Bad" points minus "good" points
The 2004/05 Nutrient Profiling Model scores per 100 g (or 100 mL). A points (up to 10 each) come from energy, saturated fat, total sugars and sodium. C points (up to 5 each) come from fruit, vegetables and nuts, fibre and protein. The score is A minus C.
A food scoring 4 or more, or a drink scoring 1 or more, is "less healthy" - the HFSS products the promotion and placement rules restrict.
The protein rule catches people out
If a product scores 11 or more A points, its protein points are not subtracted unless it also scores the full 5 for fruit, vegetables and nuts. This stops a high-protein snack that is also high in fat, sugar or salt from scoring its way out of HFSS.
HFSS is not the whole test
The Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021 apply to HFSS products in specified categories, sold by businesses in scope. A product can be HFSS and still fall outside the rules because of its category or the seller's size, so check both before changing a promotion plan.
Salt on a UK label converts to sodium at salt = sodium x 2.5; this calculator does that conversion for you.
Reference information, not legal advice. Requirements change and turn on facts specific to your product - confirm against the current regulation before relying on it.