UK food labels vs EU food labels
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
UK-purchased food products, NHS dietary guidance, UK fitness apps.
Any food product imported from EU, EU nutrition databases, medical literature.
| Aspect | UK food labels | EU food labels |
|---|---|---|
| Primary energy unit | kcal (consumer emphasis) | kJ (legally mandated first) |
| Format mandated | Kcal + kJ per 100g + portion | kJ + kcal per 100g + portion |
| Traffic light labelling | UK standard (green/amber/red per 100g) | Not EU-mandated |
| Salt vs sodium | Sodium in UK labels common | Salt in EU labels |
| Reference intake | 2,000 kcal (UK guidance) | 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal |
Frequently asked
Why is kJ the EU primary unit?
SI unit consistency — joule is the SI unit of energy. The EU standardised on SI units for food labelling in 1990. UK consumers, like Australians and Americans, are more familiar with 'calories' and both regions list them prominently regardless of which comes first legally.
What is the UK traffic light system?
UK food manufacturers (not legally required but widely adopted) show green/amber/red colour coding for each nutrient (fat, saturates, sugars, salt) based on whether the per-100g amount is low, medium or high. The EU rejected this system as potentially stigmatising certain foods.