If you are not aware what is in the foods you eat, should you really eat it? Food labels allow manufacturers to communicate directly with consumers and allow you to make healthy food choices.
Food labels today serve three main purposes:
- To give basic product information, including a list of ingredients, product weight/quantity, expiry dates, country of origin, manufacturer information, dates, grade or quality
- To provide health, safety, and nutrition information
- To provide a means for marketing or promoting the product by label claims such as “low fat”, “cholesterol-free”, “high source of fibre”, etc.
Food labels can have four main components:
- Ingredient List: Listed in descending order by weight. This means that the first product listed in the list is the predominant ingredient by weight (not by volume amount)
- Nutrition Facts Table- Serving size and servings per container.
- Nutrient Content Claims
- Health Claims
The Nutrition Facts Table can often be confusing. Basically it :
- Describes the serving size and how many servings are in the package
- May not be the same amount as what you would normally eat
- Lists calories
- Lists percent daily values (%DV)
- Tells you how much a serving of food contributes to your overall intake of the various nutrients listed on the label
- Is based on an energy intake of 2000 Calories/day
- Rule of thumb: 5% is a little, 15% is a lot
Visit http://www.healthyeatingisinstore.ca/ for more information.
By reading and comparing food labels, you can start planning a more nutritious diet, nourish your body with healthy foods, and be the healthier person you desire to be!
Mélissa Lafrance, Nutritionist melissa@rachellewood.ca
Consultant Rachelle Wood Nutrition Inc.