Indonesia launches nutri-level labeling system for sweetened drinks to curb sugar consumption
Indonesia introduces color-coded Nutri-Level labels for sweetened drinks, aiming to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health through clearer nutritional information.
INDONESIA – Indonesia has introduced a new nutri-level labeling system for sweetened beverages, aimed at helping consumers better understand nutritional content and manage sugar intake.
The initiative, rolled out by the Ministry of Health Indonesia in collaboration with the Food and Drug Authority Indonesia (BPOM), classifies drinks based on their sugar, salt, and fat content. In its initial phase, the labeling system applies only to beverage products.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the policy is designed to encourage individuals to take greater control of their sugar consumption and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.
“Hopefully the public can discern what must be consumed less,” he said during the program launch in Jakarta.
Under the Nutri-Level system, beverages are categorized into four levels, each marked by a specific color and letter to indicate sugar content. Level A (dark green) represents very healthy drinks containing less than 1 gram of sugar or no added sweeteners. Level B (light green) indicates a healthy category with 1–5 grams of sugar.
Level C (yellow) is assigned to less healthy beverages containing 5–10 grams of sugar, while Level D (red) identifies unhealthy drinks with more than 10 grams of sugar.
The labeling requirement will apply to both packaged and ready-to-eat beverages. For packaged products, implementation will be regulated by BPOM, while ready-to-eat beverages will be monitored directly by the Ministry of Health.
Authorities said the rollout will be carried out in phases to allow businesses time to adapt. “MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) are exempt for the time being,” Sadikin noted, adding that large-scale industries will be the first to implement the system before it expands further.
The regulation for ready-to-eat beverages is outlined in Minister of Health Decree Number HK.01.07/MENKES/301/2026, signed on April 14, 2026.
Meanwhile, BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said rules governing sugar labeling for packaged drinks are still being finalised. “The regulation will enter into force once the administrative process is completed,” he said.
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