How to read a nutrition label

by Nicole Weston, Posted Jul 3rd 2006 @ 9:01AM

Yesterday, we found out that a lot of people don't know what they're looking for when they read a nutrition label. The Food and Drug Administration, which sets the basic nutritional standards and defines what should be on the label, has a website that is set up to help shoppers understand and use the information on the label more effectively. Their guide to reading a nutrition label covers serving size, calorie content and nutrients, as you can see outlined above in an image from the site. They do a comprehensive job, covering the recommended daily minimums and maximums for foods, fats, calories and vitamins, as well as just about any other question that you could have about the nutritional facts.

Of course, it's also helpful to read the ingredients list to learn what exactly the food consists of, but it's important for a health-conscious shopper to know how to take advantage of the nutritional summary on the packaging. Check out the whole guide - you never know when you might learn something new!

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Filed Under: Light Food, Health & Medical, How To
Tags: calories, fat, fda, government, health, how to read a nutrition label, label, labeling, light food, nutrition, nutrition label, recommended daily intake