Reading Food Labels: Nutrient and health claims

Food labels sometimes list other information, including nutrient and health claims. Some examples include Low–Fat, Heart–Healthy, Reduced Sodium, and Good Source of Whole Grains. While these can be helpful in choosing healthy foods, they should not be the deciding factor. One should still be sure to take a look at the Nutrition Facts and the Ingredients list and make your own decision about whether the food is a healthful one.

You may also see information such as Non–GMO or Certified Organic on the product label. Non–GMO means that the product was made without the use of genetically modified ingredients. Certified organic means that some or all of the ingredients were produced using a set of farming standards that are better for the environment and result in fewer chemical pesticide and fertilizer residues in the food.

With these tips in mind, making healthy food choices becomes much easier. But remember one important fact: Some of the healthiest foods, including bulk whole grains and beans, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, do not have food labels.