By The Table desk · Last verified 4 October 2026
Nutri-Grade is Singapore’s drink label, run by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB). It grades beverages from A (lowest in sugar and saturated fat) to D (highest), using the amount per 100ml, and shows the sugar level as a percentage. Grades C and D must carry the label; A and B may show it voluntarily. The rules have applied to pre-packaged drinks since 30 December 2022 and to freshly prepared drinks, such as bubble tea and coffee-shop drinks at larger chains, since 30 December 2023. Advertising of grade D drinks is prohibited, with narrow exceptions.
That little coloured letter is one of the most useful things on a drinks fridge. Here’s how to read it in two seconds.
Quick facts
- Grades: A, B, C, D, based on sugar and saturated fat per 100ml.
- Grade A: no more than 1g sugar and 0.7g saturated fat per 100ml, and no sweetener.
- Labels: compulsory for C and D; optional for A and B.
- Covered: pre-packaged drinks, drinks from dispensers and vending machines, and freshly prepared drinks.
- Small businesses with annual turnover of S$1 million or less and fewer than 10 outlets are exempt from the freshly prepared drink rules.
- Not covered: alcoholic drinks and special-purpose foods such as infant formula.
What each grade means
| Grade | Sugar per 100ml | Saturated fat per 100ml | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1g or less, and no sweetener | 0.7g or less | Optional |
| B | More than 1g, up to 5g | More than 0.7g, up to 1.2g | Optional |
| C | More than 5g, up to 10g | More than 1.2g, up to 2.8g | Required |
| D | More than 10g | More than 2.8g | Required; advertising prohibited |
A drink has to stay within both limits for a grade, so being high in either sugar or saturated fat pulls it down. HealthHub notes that all Healthier Choice drinks are Nutri-Grade A or B.
How to read the label
- Look at the letter. A and B are the better everyday choices; HPB advises limiting C and D.
- Read the sugar percentage. It’s the sugar as a share of the drink’s volume, so 8% means about 8g of sugar in every 100ml.
- Multiply by the size. A 330ml can at 8% has about 8 × 3.3 = 26.4g of sugar.
- Compare brands and sizes. Two similar drinks can sit a grade apart, and a bigger bottle simply means more sugar.
Freshly prepared drinks: what you’ll see
Since 30 December 2023, larger food and drink businesses must show the Nutri-Grade mark for C and D drinks on their menus and at the point of purchase, including online ordering platforms. Toppings such as pearls and jellies must have their sugar content declared. That’s why bubble tea menus now show grades and topping sugar. Smaller businesses that meet the exemption, such as many single hawker stalls, don’t have to label, so ask for less sugar if it matters to you.
| Where you buy | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Supermarket, convenience store, vending machine | C and D drinks carry the label on the front of the pack |
| Bubble tea and drinks chains | C and D grades on the menu; sugar content shown for toppings |
| Independent hawker or kopi stall | Often exempt; no label, but you can ask for less or no sugar |
What’s next for Nutri-Grade
HPB says Nutri-Grade measures will be extended to salt, sauces and seasonings, instant noodles and cooking oils in 2028, revised from the earlier target of mid-2027. Check HPB’s Nutri-Grade page for the latest dates and details.
The WahLiao Verdict
Make the letter your first glance and the percentage your second. Reach for A and B as everyday drinks, treat C and D as treats, and remember that size matters as much as grade. At a stall with no label, the easiest win is simple: ask for less sugar, or plain water, and enjoy the meal.
Questions people ask
Why doesn’t my drink have a Nutri-Grade label?
It’s probably grade A or B, where the label is optional, or it comes from a small business exempt from the freshly prepared rules.
Can a diet drink with sweetener get an A?
No. Grade A requires no sweetener as well as very low sugar and saturated fat, so a sweetened sugar-free drink can be B at best.
Why can milk drinks get a lower grade?
The grade counts saturated fat as well as sugar. Full-cream milk, creamers and some toppings add saturated fat, which can pull a drink down a grade.
Are D drinks banned?
No. They can be sold, but must carry the label, and advertisements for them are prohibited across media, with limited exceptions such as some point-of-sale displays.
Sources: Health Promotion Board, Measures for Nutri-Grade; Ministry of Health, Nutri-Grade requirements for freshly prepared beverages; HealthHub (MOH and HPB), grade thresholds and tips. The Table explains; it does not advise.
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