Food Labelling: How To Spot Deception When It’s Staring You In The Face
Do you know what labels actually say?!
Have you ever walked down the grocery store aisle and seen food packages with labels like “new and improved formula” or “now with added antioxidants”?
It can be tempting to buy these products, thinking that you’re getting something better or healthier than the original. But do you really know what these sciencey words on food packaging mean?
In this post, we’ll demystify some of the most common scientific-sounding claims on food packaging and help you make informed choices about the products you buy.
- “New and improved formula”
This claim is often used to suggest that a product has been updated to be better than the original. However, it’s important to look closely at what has actually changed.
Sometimes, the “new and improved” formula is just a marketing ploy to get you to buy the product again. Other times, the changes may be significant, but not necessarily better.
For example, a company may have changed the formula to reduce costs or increase shelf life, which could affect the taste or nutritional value of the product.
2. “Now with added antioxidants”
Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. While it’s true that some foods contain antioxidants, adding them to processed foods may not necessarily make the product healthier.
In fact, some studies have suggested that taking high doses of antioxidants in supplement form may actually be harmful. Instead of relying on processed foods with added antioxidants, it’s best to get these important nutrients from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
3. “Low-fat” or “fat-free”
These claims are often used to suggest that a product is a healthier choice than the original. However, it’s important to remember that just because a product is low in fat or fat-free doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.
In many cases, these products are high in sugar or other additives to make up for the lack of fat, which can actually be worse for your health.
Additionally, some types of fat, like the healthy fats found in avocado and nuts, are important for overall health.
4. “Natural” or “organic”
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. “Natural” typically means that a product is minimally processed and doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or preservatives.
However, there are no regulations governing the use of this term, so it can be used on products that are still highly processed and contain synthetic ingredients.
“Organic” refers to foods that are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals. Look for products that are certified organic by a reputable organization to ensure that you’re getting a truly organic product.
5. “Gluten-free”
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause digestive issues for some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. While gluten-free products can be a good option for people with these conditions, it’s important to remember that just because a product is gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.
In many cases, gluten-free products are highly processed and contain a lot of sugar and other additives to make up for the lack of gluten. Additionally, many whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are naturally gluten-free and can be a healthier option than processed gluten-free products.
6. “No added sugars”
This claim is often used to suggest that a product is a healthier choice than the original. However, it’s important to remember that just because a product doesn’t contain added sugars doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Many processed foods are naturally high in sugar or contain other sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup, which can be just as harmful as added sugars.
7. “Fortified with vitamins and minerals”
This claim is often used to suggest that a product is a good source of essential nutrients. While it’s true that some products are fortified with vitamins and minerals, it’s important to remember that whole foods are always the best source of nutrients.
Additionally, some products may be fortified with vitamins and minerals that are already abundant in the typical diet, so you may not be getting any extra benefit from consuming them.
8. “Made with real fruit”
This claim is often used to suggest that a product contains whole fruits or fruit juice, but it’s important to look closely at the ingredients list. In many cases, products that claim to be “made with real fruit” actually contain very little fruit and are mostly made up of sugar and other additives. Look for products that list whole fruits or fruit juice as the first ingredient to ensure that you’re getting a product with real fruit.
9. “Low-calorie”
This claim is often used to suggest that a product is a good choice for weight management. While it’s true that reducing calorie intake can be helpful for weight loss, it’s important to look closely at the overall nutritional value of the product. In many cases, low-calorie products are highly processed and contain a lot of artificial ingredients and additives. Additionally, some low-calorie products may be lower in calories but still high in sugar, which can be just as harmful as consuming more calories.
10. “All-natural”
This claim is often used to suggest that a product is free from artificial ingredients and additives. However, it’s important to remember that there are no regulations governing the use of this term, so it can be used on products that are still highly processed and contain synthetic ingredients.
Additionally, some natural ingredients can still be harmful in large amounts, so it’s important to look at the overall nutritional value of the product.
It’s important to be informed about the Scienc-ey words used on food packaging and not be hoodwinked by marketing claims. Always read the ingredients list and nutritional information to make informed choices about the products you buy.
Remember, whole foods are always the best source of nutrients, so try to eat a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. By being mindful of the foods you eat, you can take control of your health and make choices that will benefit you in the long term.
