Our lives are so hectic and fast-paced that we can easily get stuck in a continuous cycle of activities and errands! When I go to the supermarket, I power-walk through the aisles with quick glances at my list, hoping that the lines at the checkout counter aren’t too long. No matter how much I’m rushing though, there is one thing that I will never forsake and that’s reading food labels.
When I read food labels before purchasing items, it helps me make healthy, informed choices. I also save money because I know for sure that the item I’m buying falls within my intended diet and lifestyle.
But did you know that there are many other ways that we can all benefit from reading food labels? Here’s how:
-
The Nutrition Facts panel is basically heart of the food label. This is where you’ll find the serving size, the number of calories in the product, and the nutrients in each serving. This helps you determine how much of the product in the package you should consume in each sitting.
You can also find out the % daily value which is how much a serving of the product contributes to the daily recommended amount for each nutrient. It provides % daily value of key nutrients of concern such as total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugar, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content. This is particularly helpful if you’re striving to control your weight or managing (or trying to avoid) non-communicable diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.
-
Food labels often include product dates like the manufacture date, sell-by date and/or the expiry or best before date. I’d hate to put an item in my cart, pay for it and get home only to realise I’ve wasted money because it has expired.
-
Some products have more ingredients than can be deduced from their name only. The ingredients list gives you more insight into what you’re consuming. This is especially useful if you have any known food allergies.
At Nestlé, we believe in empowering individuals and families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices. Paying attention to food labels is a, crucial step towards having a healthy diet and a good life. We know it’s a learned skill, so we encourage you to connect with us on social media @nestlecaribbean as we explore how to read food labels, together!
