Nutrition · News, made simple
How Food Labels Help You Choose
A new study looks at how food labels help shoppers make healthy choices.
HealthStylz Editors
· 2 min read
The short version
- Labels help you spot healthy foods.
- Design and familiarity matter most.
- Some systems are very easy.
Based on reporting by Medical Xpress. We explain it in plain words; read the original for the full story.
Nutritional Balance
Balanced Meal Nutrition Profile
Estimated nutrient density and satiety balance per serving against daily wellness targets.
- Dietary Fiber SupportDigestive wellness 38% daily goal
- Satiety DurationFullness without crashes 4.5 hours
- Blood Sugar StabilityLow glycemic curve Steady curve
- Prep SimplicityWeeknight ease Practical prep
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health & USDA Dietary Guidelines.
Grocery shopping can feel tricky when you are busy caring for your family or working on your weight-loss journey. We all want to make good choices for our health, but reading labels is not always easy.
What's new
One new study found that both the design and familiarity of front-of-package nutrition labels shape what consumers notice and how they interpret food products. Participants in two countries found warning labels easier to understand and more helpful for making healthy choices than another system called Nutri-Score. This research does not prove cause and effect.
What it means for you
Clear labels on the front of food packages can guide your eyes and help you understand what you are buying. When labels are simple and familiar, it is easier to pick foods that support your goals.
One small thing to try
Take an extra second to look at the front of food packages during your next trip to the store to see what information catches your eye.