China Nutrition Labeling

Shanghai’s one-year Nutri-Grade beverage labeling pilot, tested on a few brands, officially concluded in March 2025. Regulators are now evaluating the results and considering whether to expand the system citywide or propose a broader national rollout. Launched in 2024, the pilot introduced front-of-pack nutrition grading for both packaged and freshly prepared beverages.

Nutri-Grade at a Glance

The Nutri-Grade system classifies beverages from A (healthiest) to D (least recommended) based on content of added sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, and non-sugar sweeteners. Unlike traditional nutrition labeling schemes, this pilot includes both prepackaged ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and freshly prepared drinks sold in cafes and milk tea shops. Four domestic beverage brands—CHAGEE, Nayuki, Happy Lemon, and Leyuan—participated in the initial implementation. The system’s grading criteria reportedly combine domestic nutritional guidelines with international best practices, such as Singapore’s Nutri-Grade and the UK’s Nutri-Score system. However, no official update has been issued on whether the system will be expanded beyond the pilot.

Industry Uncertainty and U.S. Company Concerns

U.S. beverage companies in China generally recognize that Nutri-Grade aligns with international labeling norms, including those in the United States and European Union. Nonetheless, firms have raised concerns about the cost of compliance, transparency of grading criteria, and the reputational risk associated with receiving a lower grade without a clear appeals process. Some companies emphasized the need for clarity on how grades are calculated, who sets the standards, and what mechanisms exist to ensure consistent enforcement. Concerns also persist about the potential for uneven application across domestic and foreign brands. While some industry observers speculate that participating companies may be quietly discouraging broader implementation—citing post-pandemic financial pressures on smaller food and beverage operators—no formal lobbying efforts or regulatory statements have been confirmed.

What U.S. Companies Should Do
•    Monitor policy developments through announcements from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission and Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) in late 2025. 
•    Review existing product labeling and formulations in China to assess readiness for potential Nutri-Grade adoption.
•    Engage proactively with local business associations (e.g., AmCham Shanghai, U.S. Food and Beverage Chamber) to stay informed of government consultation windows or pilot assessments.
•    Track trade events and forums where updates on the pilot may be shared, including FHC Shanghai Global Food Trade Show (November 2025) and CIFST’s Annual Food Safety Summit.

For tailored assistance, please contact Sophie Sheng at Sophie.Sheng@trade.gov.