Read The Food Labels And Know What You Are Eating
Decoding the nutrition label
Reading food labels and interpreting all the on-pack information can be a daunting task. Here are some pointers to help you read and interpret the information on food labels.
Importance of reading a food label
Importance of reading a food label
- Identifying the nutrients present in the food, drink or dietary supplement
- Knowing the amount of trans fat, fibre or sugar content present
- Comparing foods and deciding which is a better choice for you
- Examining foods for allergens or ingredients that you should avoid
| Look here first | Watch the calories | Percent (%) daily value | Limit these | Get enough of these |
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It tells you the amount of food that is counted as a serving and how big the servings are in the package. It may be indicated by cups, pieces or grams. |
Energy or calories come from carbohydrates, protein and fats present in the food. |
This helps you understand whether a food is high or low in specific nutrients with respect to the Guideline for daily amounts to be consumed respectively. |
Limit sugar, fat, trans fat and sodium consumption, as excess of these are not recommended. |
You need to get sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals and fibre in your diet to stay healthy. |
Nestlé Nutrition Compass
To help you make informed choices about your diet and enjoy a healthier and balanced life, Nestlé has developed an on-pack tool called the Nestlé Nutritional Compass, which encourages you to make wise choices regarding a balanced diet. The Nestlé Nutritional Compass was launched in 2005 and was the first worldwide nutrition labelling initiative from any food company.
