Classification of healthier and unhealthier food and beverages

For the CBS consumer price index, food and beverages have been classified in accordance with the ECOICOP (European Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose). The Netherlands Nutrition Centre has indicated healthier and unhealthier choice for each category. Healthier products are included in the Wheel of Five, e.g. vegetables, fruit and (skimmed and semi-skimmed) dairy products. Product categories not included in the Wheel of Five have been allocated to unhealthier products, such as sweets, sauces and snacks. Product groups which include healthier as well as unhealthier items and where no sub-classification can be made have been allocated to healthier products, as it is possible to make a healthy choice from this category. For example, bread has been allocated to healthier products, as it is possible to make a healthier choice between brown or wholemeal bread, for example.

Back to article