Facts about Food Labels

Common questions asked by students

Does a "light" product mean it is low in calories?

Not necessarily. Light can mean a food contains at least one-third fewer calories per serving than a similar full calorie food. It could also mean that a food contains no more than half the fat per serving of a full fat counterpart. "Light in sodium" means the food contains at least 50 percent less sodium per serving. Light can also simply refer to the texture or color of the product, i.e. light brown sugar.

What does "sugars" mean in the nutrition facts panel?

"Sugars" refer to the family of simple carbohydrates that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products, as well as in sweeteners that are added to foods. Naturally occurring and added sugars are identical. Whether you eat a banana or a banana nut muffin, your body cannot tell which sugars were present in the fruit and which were added by bakers.

The nutrition facts panel shows total carbohydrate as a % Daily Value. Why is there no % Daily Value given for sugars?

Percent Daily Value shows whether a food is high or low in a nutrient such as carbohydrates. The Daily Value is a guideline to show how a food fits into your day's overall intake. There is not a percent given for sugars because there is no recommended maximum or minimum for sugar intake.

For more information about food labels, or for an individual counseling appointment, please contact Jill Kelly, Registered Dietitian, at 650-6254 or email her at Jill.Kelly@wwu.edu.