Do you usually check food labels before or after consuming them? You should know that packaging provides plenty of information to help determine whether the food is healthy or not. That’s why it’s worth paying attention to these details when shopping.
From expiration dates to ingredient lists, food labels provide valuable information that can assist you in planning your meals and those of your family.
So, how about learning how to read food labels in your daily life? In this post, we’ll cover some useful tips!
Reasons to Check Food Labels
Still not sure why it’s so important to check the information on product packaging? Below are some reasons to make this a habit.
Ensures Better Choices
Ever felt uncertain between two products? The information on the label can influence your choice. Nutritional content, ingredients, manufacturing process, and other details can be taken into account when deciding what to buy.
Helps Maintain a Healthier Diet
If your goal is to eat healthier, reading food labels can assist. By doing so, you can identify products with ingredients that provide more health benefits.
Remember, a balanced diet includes a variety of nutrients. Finding these on labels can help you better plan your meals and ensure a more nutritionally diverse plate.
Avoids Unrecommended Ingredients
Certain ingredients should be avoided by specific groups of people, such as those with allergies. Paying attention to labels can prevent the ingestion of components that may trigger negative reactions.
Individuals following a restricted diet, under the guidance of a nutritionist, also need to avoid certain items. In this case, carefully analyzing labels can help stick to professional recommendations.
What Information Should Be on Food Labels?
So, what exactly should be on food labels? Did you know there are regulatory bodies that ensure companies include certain information on their packaging?
In Italy, for instance, the Ministry of Health and other agencies establish labeling regulations that require companies to provide nutritional information and other relevant data.
Here are some key pieces of information that should be on food labels, which can help you make more informed choices.
Nutritional Information
The daily recommended values for specific nutrients and the nutritional content of the food should be listed in a table or as part of a list. This allows you to see the percentage of each nutrient you are consuming per serving.
Products high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and sugars must highlight this information. The same goes for light and diet foods.
Expiration Date and Batch Number
To ensure food safety, companies are required to provide the product’s expiration date. In addition, for quality control or complaint purposes, the production batch number must be indicated. If you need to report any issues or provide feedback to the manufacturer, you’ll need to mention the batch number of the product.
Ingredient List
Some people need or prefer to avoid certain ingredients in their diet. To ensure consumers know what they are consuming, labels must include a full list of ingredients.
Allergens
If the product contains allergenic ingredients, this must be clearly indicated on the label. This serves as a warning for individuals who need to avoid certain allergens for health reasons.
Origin
Consumers have the right to know where their food comes from. That’s why packaging must include the place of manufacture and the name of the company responsible for producing the item.
Best Tips for Making Better Choices
So, how can you use this information to your advantage? Don’t worry, here are some great tips for you:
Check the Type of Preservation
Most processed foods contain preservatives to prolong their shelf life, whether in the store or at home. However, these preservatives might not align with a healthy diet. It’s important to evaluate the type of preservation used and how it fits with your nutritional goals.
For example, canned goods often contain higher amounts of sodium or sugar to prevent spoilage. If you’re aiming for a balanced diet, you might want to swap these for vacuum-sealed alternatives.
Check the Caloric Value
In the nutritional information tables, along with daily nutrient values, you’ll find the caloric content for a specific serving size. This helps you determine how many calories you’ll be consuming.
Identify Sodium Content
Sodium is one of the most common preservatives, and by closely examining food labels, you’ll notice that many items in the store contain high levels of salt. Over time, excessive sodium intake can harm your health and increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as hypertension. It’s a good idea to choose low-sodium versions when possible.
As you can see, reading food labels can be the key to healthier eating! It helps you avoid products that may harm your well-being and instead opt for those that offer greater health benefits.