German Food Key 4.0: Nutrient Database Now Available
Germany’s official nutrition database, the Bundeslebensmittelschlüssel (BLS) 4.0, is now freely available to the public. The updated version provides detailed information on 7,140 foods and dishes, including energy content and up to 138 nutrients per item. The decision to remove access restrictions comes from the Max Rubner Institute (MRI), which manages the database.
The MRI has eliminated all licensing fees for BLS 4.0, allowing unrestricted use for researchers, food manufacturers, and consumers. The database now covers newly added items such as plant-based drinks, quinoa, and buckwheat, alongside expanded vitamin data.
Open access aligns with open science and open government principles, reducing bureaucracy while ensuring long-term data quality. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) supports the move, emphasising its role in helping consumers make informed dietary choices. The database serves multiple purposes, from supporting dietary studies to aiding food manufacturers in calculating mandatory nutrition labels. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has welcomed the decision, noting its potential to promote balanced and regionally focused eating habits.
With BLS 4.0 now freely accessible, experts and the public can use its detailed nutrient data without restrictions. The change reflects broader efforts to improve transparency in food information and simplify access to official nutritional resources.
