Reading Food Labels Nutrition Unit Lesson 5

Food Labels Panel of nutrition information of all processed food regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Must contain by law: Name of the food Net amount weight or volume Name and address of manufacturer Ingredients Nutrient content

Nutrition Facts Serving Size Servings Per Container Listing of the amount of food that is considered a serving Determined by the FDA Servings Per Container Number of servings in the container/package Multiply the calories and nutrients by the # of Servings Per Container to determine the total number of calories and nutrients in that container/package

Nutrition Facts Calories Calories from Fat Percent Daily Value The number of calories in one serving of the food Calories from Fat The number of calories from fat grams in one serving for the food Percent Daily Value Portion of the daily amount of a nutrient provided by one serving For total carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, your goal = 100% Usually based on 2000 calories per day (yours may be more or less)

Nutrition Facts Ingredients Total Fat Listed by quantity, beginning with the ingredient that is present in the greatest amount Total Fat Number of fat grams per serving Also may contain saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats (unsaturated is the healthier of the 3)

Nutrition Facts Cholesterol Sodium Important source of vitamin D Should get cholesterol through healthy sources Sodium Processed foods contain more than natural foods Small amounts needed to keep proper body fluid balance Limit sodium intake

Nutrition Facts Total Carbohydrate Protein Best source of energy Will show total amount, but also how many are from sugars and fiber Choose foods with more fiber, less sugar Protein Eggs, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts, and dried beans

Nutrition Facts Vitamins A and C and Minerals Calcium and Iron Required on all food labels Very important for a healthy diet Vitamin A – eyesight, healthy skin Vitamin C – fights infection, heal wounds Calcium – builds healthy bones/teeth Iron – Maintains healthy red blood cells

Food Additives Substances intentionally added to foods Enriched food Nutrients, flavor, texture, color Prevent spoilage, age quicker, taste, appearance Enriched food Food in which nutrients were lost during processing, but were then added back Fortified food Food in which nutrients are not usually found in that food Example: adding calcium to orange juice

Health Claims Fat-Free Low-Fat Light or Lite Cholesterol Free Less than .5 grams of fat per serving Low-Fat 3 grams of fat or less per serving Light or Lite ½ fewer calories or no more than ½ the fat or sodium of the regular version Cholesterol Free Less than 2 mg of cholesterol and 2 grams of fat or less of saturated fat per serving