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Many of us buy packaged foods without checking the nutritional information on the packaging. Food labels give essential information about packaged foods, which we should be aware of. We can even evaluate the quality of food products in advance if the labels are read correctly. Knowing what your food includes and where it comes from is critical. In addition, the nutrition content of the foods is listed on the labels, making it easier to compare brands before purchasing. Ms JHOOMER SINHA, FOUNDER & CEO, HEA BOOSTERS, shares the importance of checking food labels. As a consumer, we must make informed decisions about the food we consume. This is when the importance of food labels comes into play. Knowing how to read food labels ensures that our purchase is worth it while protecting us from misleading product claims.
- Make a note of the percentage of the daily recommended value: By looking at the per cent of the daily value, consumers may determine what percentage of nutrients are in each serving. Thus, you can choose a food product with a lower daily value percentage to consume fewer nutrients. Similarly, choose the food item with the highest daily value percentage to ingest more nutrients. Please note that several Indian products now provide the daily value per cent on their packaging.
- Calories and Nutrients: Food labels provide information on the nutrient types and calorie levels used in producing the food item. Read the nutrient list carefully and mark the nutrients that don't fulfil your health requirements. For example, higher fat, saturated fat, trans fat, or sodium intake can lead to various health issues. Ensure the packaged item contains enough nutrients for your consumption, such as dietary fibre, vitamin A, C, calcium, and iron.
- Look at the list of ingredients: The list gives you a quick rundown of the product's "recipe" or elements. The ingredients are listed in order of their percentage. For example, if a product's ingredients list includes Sugar, Water, and Juice Concentrated Artificial Flavor, it suggests that sugar makes up the majority of the product. Juice concentrate is the ingredient with the smallest amount.
- Storage instructions: These guidelines will assist your customers in carefully storing products before and after they have been opened, ensuring that they are safe to consume. 'Keep in a cool, dry location,' for example. Refrigerate after opening and eat within three days.'
- Be aware of health-sensitive ingredients: Fat, sugar and salt are all core elements of any food product. However, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns have been linked to a regular high intake of these chemicals.
