⚖️ Comparison · Updated for 2026

UK food labels vs EU food labels

Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.

Quick answer: UK and EU: energy must be shown in both kJ and kcal (per 100g, and per portion where given), with kJ normally listed first. UK shoppers tend to focus on kcal. EU: kJ listed first by convention, with kcal alongside. Both require the same 'big 7' nutrients (energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, salt). Post-Brexit, UK retained the EU format but continues to emphasise kcal in public health messaging.
Decision guide — when to use which
Use UK food labels when…

UK-purchased food products, NHS dietary guidance, UK fitness apps.

Use EU food labels when…

Any food product imported from EU, EU nutrition databases, medical literature.

📊 Side-by-side comparison
Aspect UK food labels EU food labels
Primary energy unit kJ and kcal (consumers focus on kcal) kJ (legally mandated first)
Format mandated kJ + kcal per 100g (+ portion) kJ + kcal per 100g + portion
Traffic light labelling UK standard (green/amber/red per 100g) Not EU-mandated
Salt vs sodium Salt (sodium is not used) Salt in EU labels
Reference intake 2,000 kcal (UK guidance) 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal

Frequently asked

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Why is kJ the EU primary unit?

SI unit consistency — joule is the SI unit of energy. EU food labelling rules (Directive 90/496/EEC, now Regulation 1169/2011, retained in UK law) require energy in kJ and kcal. UK consumers, like Australians and Americans, are more familiar with 'calories' and both regions list them prominently regardless of which comes first legally.

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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.

Reviewed for 2026. This comparison is general guidance based on publicly available information. Prices, rates, rules and specifications change, so check current details with the provider or an official source before making a decision. Built by a UK-based qualified primary teacher and FA Level 2 coach as part of 247QuickTools' free utility-tools project. We don't sell SEO links or accept paid placements in this content.

Frequently asked questions

Why is kJ the EU primary unit?

SI unit consistency — joule is the SI unit of energy. EU food labelling rules (Directive 90/496/EEC, now Regulation 1169/2011, retained in UK law) require energy in kJ and kcal. 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.