MYTHBUSTERS!How to read food labels

Claim: 97% fat free & ‘light’

What does this mean?

Product must contain less than 3g of fat per 100g

Always check the Nutrition Information Panel

‘Light’ does not always mean low fat

Claim: Very High in Fibre

What does this mean?

Again, check the Nutrition Information Panel; a product must contain 20g of fibre per 100g to be claimed as ‘high fibre’

Claim: Low Gi

What does this mean?

GI level refers to the Glycemic index of a food – that is, the effect of carbohydrates in a food on insulin levels.

For a product to claim ‘low GI’, the food must have an index level of 55 or below

Claim: No added sugar

What does this mean?

Product must contain no added sugar Natural sugars are allowed There are many different ‘names’ for

sugar, including corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, molasses – watch out for these on ingredient listings

Claims: Guaranteed wholegrain, helps lower cholesterol re-absorption

What does this mean?

Be wary of products simply ‘adding’ health claims to packaging, these are not government regulated

Such claims are often more a marketing tool, used to persuade consumers

It is always vital to read the nutrition information panel to check for hidden additives, fats, sugars etc.

Claim: ‘Light’

What does this mean?

Look carefully! Although the ice cream product on the right claims to be ‘light’ and 97% fat free, both products actually contain the same RDI of energy! This is a common trap with ‘low fat’ or ‘light’ products.