4 Misleading Food Labels and What They Actually Mean

by DailyHealthPost Editorial

1. “Made with…”

What marketers want you to think: That “Made with” means “Good Source Of”

What it actually means: There is at least a tiny fraction of what they say it’s made with in there.

2. “Natural” or “All Natural”

What marketers want you to think: It’s organic or unprocessed.

What it actually means: It could mean what it says it does. Most of the time, however, it means that it doesn’t contain any added color, artificial flavoring, or synthetic additives.

Related: Hilarious Video Exposes What ‘Natural’ Products Really Mean

3. “Light” or “Lightly Sweetened”

What marketers want you to think: There isn’t a lot of sugar.

What it actually means: The product contains a lot of artificial sweeteners.

4. “Low” or “Reduced”

What marketers want you to think: Less calories, less fat, or a reduced amount of whatever ingredient they mention. They want you to think that reduced means healthy.

What it actually means: It only has less than the original version. That doesn’t make it healthy.

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Repeat This Over and Over

For the sake of brevity, we don’t need to cover all the examples. You can do this exercise over and over. Just check out what companies are putting on their labels. Usually, the key words that get you to buy are right on the front. You’ll see “High In Fiber” or “Light” or “Low in Fat.” The FDA does regulate some of these terms. For the most part, however, they are loosely defined.

The words on food mean nothing. You need to look at the label. Remember what researchers say about that—the label is only as good as your ability to interpret it.

What’s your best option? Do your research. Understand what food labels mean. You’re already on your way to better food buying decisions right now.

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