Guide to reading product labels
It can be hard to choose which products to buy, and we often go with what has the more appealing packaging. While this can tell you a bit about the brand, we recommend you take the time to read what exactly it is that you are purchasing – it is not always as the manufacturer would like you to believe! Check out our guide to help you make better decisions in the supermarket.
THE INGREDIENTS
Do you recognise all of the ingredients on the ingredient list? A ‘clean’ ingredient list would not include any unusual ingredients that you don’t recognise, or numbers or flavourings. If a seven year old can read them then it is probably ok!
THE NUTRITION INFORMATION PANEL- KEY INFO
Remember here that the daily recommended amount of calories is 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men. A ‘Good Source’ of protein is 10g per serve. Low sodium (salt) is 120mg per 100g. A teaspoon of sugar is 5g.
THE FIRST 3 INGREDIENTS
Before you read the label, think to yourself what should the first 3 ingredients be. (say you are buying a pasta sauce) – you would think tomato, onion, capsicum. If they don’t easily compare with what you were thinking, it is probably not a product worthy of your time or money.
COMPARE APPLES WITH APPLES
Well maybe not apples! But if you are looking at say coconut milk, take a look at how it compares with the other brands. How much coconut is in there? Do some brands use preservatives or other additives? Go for cleaner labels, not nicer looking packaging.
