There are several reasons why people read the labels on their food. But regardless of the cause, a lot of customers want to know how to use this information more efficiently and effectively. These label-reading techniques are designed to make it simpler for you to use the Nutrition Facts labels to make rapid, informed food decisions that will aid in helping you adopt a healthy diet.
Use and Interpretation of the Nutrition Facts Label
Each food and beverage product’s main or top portion of the sample nutrition label (see items #1–4) can contain information specific to that item (serving size, calories, and nutrient information). A footnote in the bottom section provides information on the% Daily Value and the quantity of calories used for basic nutritional guidance.
To make it easier for you to concentrate, we’ve highlighted some elements of the accompanying nutrition facts label. These sections will be explained in more depth later. Please take note that the real food labels of the products you buy do not contain these colored portions.
Contents
Start by examining the number of servings in the package (servings per container) and the serving size before reading the Nutrition Facts label. To make it simpler to compare similar items, serving sizes are standardized. They are given in common units, such cups or pieces, followed by the metric amount, like the number of grams (g). The serving size indicates how much food or liquid an individual generally consumes. It does not suggest how much food or liquid you should consume.
It’s critical to understand that all nutritional information on labels, including the quantity of calories, refers to serving sizes. Pay close attention to the serving size and, in particular, the number of servings provided in the food box. You might, for instance, question whether you are consuming a half serving, a serving, or more. One serving of lasagna is represented by one cup on the sample label. Two cups would equal two servings if you ate them. As a result, you would need to multiply the calorie and nutrient amounts as well as the%DV by two to determine how many calories and nutrients are in two servings.
The amount of energy you get from a serving of this meal is measured in calories. In the given example, a serving of lasagna has 280 calories. Imagine consuming the entire package. Following it, you would eat 4 portions, or 1,120 calories.
Balance the number of calories you consume through food and drink with the number of calories your body expends to reach or maintain a healthy weight. As a general rule, 2,000 calories per day are recommended for weight management. Your calorie requirements can change depending on your age, sex, height, weight, and level of physical activity. They can also be higher or lower.
Keep in mind that the actual number of calories you consume depends on how many servings you consume.
Look at the sample label’s section 3, please. It lists several important nutrients that have an effect on your health. Look for foods that include more of the nutrients you want to obtain more of and less of the nutrients you might want to limit. You can utilize the label to support your individual dietary goals.
Reduce your intake of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
According to the recommended limits for these nutrients, Americans generally consume too much saturated fat, salt, and added sugars, which are nutrients that are indicated on the label and may have negative health impacts. They are classified as nutrients that should be avoided. consuming too much salt and saturated fat
Images of Nutrition Label Worksheet Answer
Download Nutrition Label Worksheet Answer
Download Nutrition Label Worksheet Answer: Click Here
What Are Added Sugars, and How Do They Differ From Total Sugars?
Total Sugars on the Nutrition Facts label covers both any added sugars that may be present in the product as well as sugars that are naturally found in many nutrient-dense foods and beverages, such as milk and fruit. Since there is no set advice for how much sugar to consume daily, there is no Daily Reference Value for total sugars.
Sugars added during food processing, such as sucrose or dextrose, foods packaged as sweeteners, such as table sugar, sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices are all included under the heading “Added Sugars” on the Nutrition Facts label.
Note: Added Sugars are included in the product’s total sugar content when the word “includes” is present before them on the label.
Americans typically do not consume the required amounts of several nutrients listed on food labels, including dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These are the nutrients that should be consumed more of. Consuming a diet rich in dietary fiber can decrease calorie consumption, lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and promote bowel regularity. Increased intake of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium in the diet can lower the risk of anemia, osteoporosis, and hypertension.
Remember: You can choose items that contain more of the nutrients you want to receive more of and less of the nutrients you might want to limit by using the label to support your unique dietary goals.
Is understanding percentage calculations necessary in order to use the%DV? No, the label (the%DV) already performs the arithmetic for you! By placing all of the nutritional measurements on the same scale for the day (0-100%DV), it makes it easier to understand the nutrient quantities (in grams, milligrams, or micrograms). The vertical sum of the %DV column does not equal 100%. The Daily Value (%DV) is the proportion of each nutrient in a serving of the food that is present. It can inform you of the nutrient content of a serving and how much a serving of a food contributes to your daily diet for each nutrient.
Comparing Foods: When comparing food items, use the percent daily value (%DV) (and make sure the serving size is the same). Whenever possible, choose foods that are higher in the nutrients you want to consume more of and lower in the nutrients you want to consume less of.
Recognize Nutrient Content Claims: Use%DV to assist differentiate between claims like “light,” “low,” and “reduced.” To determine which food product contains more or less of a specific nutrient, simply compare the %DVs in each one. Definitions don’t need to be committed to memory.
Dietary Trade-Offs: You can utilize the%DV to guide your daily trade-off decisions between different foods. A healthy diet doesn’t need you to give up a favorite meal.