An HFSS score is the final number produced by the UK Nutrient Profiling Model based on nutrition per 100g. It indicates whether a product is classed as “less healthy” for HFSS rules.

Foods with a score ≥ 4 and drinks with a score ≥ 1 are classed as HFSS (“less healthy”).

Per 100g. Using per-serving values is one of the most common reasons scores look wrong.

Yes for NPM 2004/05 (most required values are on labels). For NPM 2018, you’ll also need free sugars, which are typically not listed and must be calculated from recipe/ingredients.

NPM 2004/05 uses total sugars and sodium and is the model used in current HFSS rules. NPM 2018 uses free sugars and salt and updates some scoring scales; it’s published but not yet applied to policy (consultation pending).

If your product’s A points are high, protein points can be capped unless the fruit/veg/nut (or fruit/veg/nut/seed) score is high enough. This is an intentional rule in the model.

Either is fine, just be consistent with your label. If you only have salt but the model needs sodium (or vice versa), use the unit toggle, and the calculator will convert it.

Yes. Drinks use a stricter threshold: ≥ 1 is classed as HFSS.