Why Young Adults Are Not Reading Food Labels
How to Read Labels on Grocery Packaging and Why it Is Important
Sep 23, 2008
You wouldn’t drive somewhere you’ve never been before without directions or a map. So why would you try a new food without knowing what’s in it? According to the USDA, only half of young adults age 20-29 read food labels. Why? This group tends to eat out more, and restaurants are not required to list ingredients or nutrition information, although some do anyway.
How to Read Food Labels and What to Look for
- Search for fat and calorie information. Labels should include what percentage of fat and what type of fat the product contains. Also the number of calories per serving (and calories from fat) should be listed in a prominent position on the label.
- Pay attention to sodium content. Especially in canned and processed foods, the amount of sodium you find in a product may be a lot higher than you ever imagined.
- The amount of dietary fiber is important. Most Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diet. If you are comparing cereals, look for grams of fiber on the back of the box. That number could vary wildly between brands. You might be surprised when you start comparing numbers. Cereals that look like they contain lots of true dietary actually have very little. And the amount may have little to do with the price or the fact that a cereal is "organic."
- Understanding the footnote at the bottom of the label. You should pay attention to the daily values for each nutrient listed. The daily values are recommended levels of intake based on a 2,000 or 2,500 calorie diet. For each nutrient listed there is a "percentage daily value" and a goal of how much of this nutrient you should consume in a day. According the FDA, if you follow this advice you will stay within public health experts’ recommended allowance for that particular vitamin or nutrient.
How to Eat Healthy at a Restaurant
Even though restaurants aren’t required to give ingredient and nutrition information, more and more are listing fat and calories on their menu, especially in the "healthy food" section. Popular restaurant chains often offer low-calorie options which list portion amounts and detailed ingredients. With more than 50 percent of the population considered over-weight, restaurants as well as food distributors are listening to consumers’ demands for healthier alternatives. So if 20-somethings continue their trend of eating out rather than cooking at home, at least they have the option of choosing healthier foods.
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