Need a little help deciphering the true meaning of claims found on food labels? Is there a difference between “light” and “low” descriptions? Does the label “free” mean that the product is completely free of calories or fat? Check out the guide below for a quick lesson on nutrition label lingo.
In reference to total caloric content of product:
- Free: Product contains less than 5 calories per serving.
- Low: Product contains 40 calories or less per serving.
- Reduced: Product contains 25% fewer calories per serving than the original or traditional version.
- Light/Lite: Product contains 50% fewer (or 1/3 less) calories per serving than the original or traditional version.
In reference to total fat content of product:
- Free: Product contains less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.
- Low: Product contains 3 grams or less of fat per serving.
- Reduced: Product contains at least 25% less fat per serving than the original or traditional version.
- Light/Lite: Product contains at least 50% less (or 1/3 fewer calories from) fat per serving than the original or traditional version.
In reference to sodium content of product:
- Free: Product contains less than 5 mg of sodium per serving.
- Low: Product contains 140 mg or less of sodium per serving.
- Reduced: Product contains at least 25% less sodium per serving than the original or traditional version.
- Light/Lite: Product contains at least 50% less sodium per serving than the original or traditional version.
In reference to sugar content of product:
- Free: Product contains less than 0.5 g of sugar per serving.
- Low: Currently there is not a standard definition.
- Reduced: Product contains at least 25% less sugar per serving than the original or traditional version.
- No Added Sugars: No sugar or ingredients containing sugar have been added to the product during processing and packaging.
What baffling terms have you come across on food labels? Share with us, we want to know!
Source for more information:
FDA Food Labeling Guide IX. Appendix A: Definitions of Nutrient Content Claims April 2008.
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I printed this one out to put on the refrigerator door. Excellent information!