Understanding Food Package Claims

Check out the information below to understand the meaning on claims placed on the front of food packaging.

1. Low, reduced and less: These labels create ease when looking to lower specific nutrients, such as sodium. Don't let this label trick you into thinking that the product is a healthy choice. Often when one nutrient is being eliminated, another is being added; such as added sugar for lower fat. 
          1. "Low calories" - 40 calories or less per serving
          2. "Low fat" - 3g or less per serving 
          3. "Low sodium" - 140mg or less per serving
          4. "Reduced/less" - 25% or less of a nutrient per serving compared to reference product

2. Free: Remember that fat free and sugar free does not mean the food is calorie free.
          1. "Calorie free" - less than 5 calories per serving 
          2. "Fat free" - less than 0.5g of fat per serving
          3. "Sugar free" - less than 0.5g of sugar per serving

3. Good Source: Indicates that there is 10-19% of the daily value of a certain nutrient. Other words that may be used to indicate a product is a good source includes "contains" or "provides". The percent daily value shows how much of a nutrient is in a product serving based on the recommendations for a 2000 calorie diet.

4. Excellent Source: Indicates that there is 20% or more of the daily value of a certain nutrient. Other words that may be used to indicate a product is an excellent source includes "high in" or "rich in". Good source and excellent source labels create ease when looking for nutrients that you hop to get more of, such as fiber.

5. Food Dating: The dates on labels are for quality, not for food safety. Food dating is generally not required by federal regulations, except in infant formula. Manufacturers provide these dates for consumers to know when the food is at the best quality. The FDA supports a standard use of the phrase "Best if Used By" to show when a food will be at its best quality. An estimated 20% of consumer food waste is accounted for confusion in understanding the date on foods. Check for any signs of spoilage including any changes in color, texture or odor before eating or discarding.

Be sure to read the nutrition facts label to see the whole picture in understanding if a product matches your nutritional needs. For more questions on your personal needs, contact our registered dietitian here. 

References

A Food Labeling Guide Guidance for Industry. (2013). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/media/81606/download

Food Facts. (2019). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/media/101389/download

Food Product Dating. (2019). United State Department of Agriculture: Food Safety and Inspection Service. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/food-labeling/food-product-dating/food-product-dating