Most packaged foods have a nutrition label. You can use this as a tool to make healthy food choices. All the information on the label is based on a standard serving size to make comparison of similar foods easier.
Calories
The total number of calories and calories from fat per serving are listed. If you are watching your weight, this information will help you determine how much of the food contributes to your calorie goal.
Macronutrients
Total fat, carbohydrates and protein are listed in grams per serving. Under total fat, saturated and trans fat (up to 0.5 g of trans fat can be listed as 0 g) are listed. Sometimes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are listed as well. Under total carbohydrates, dietary fiber and sugars are included. If you are watching your sodium, cholesterol and fiber intake as in a heart healthy diet, these numbers are important. There is also % Daily Value based on a 2000-calorie diet, and it helps you to determine how the food fits into your diet. The % Daily Values for total carbohydrate and dietary fiber is based on 60 percent of calories from carbohydrate and 25 grams of fiber.
Vitamins and Minerals
The significant vitamins and minerals (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium and iron), and the percent of Recommended Daily Value contained in one serving are listed. This is helpful if you want to increase your intake of certain nutrients.
Ingredients
Ingredients are listed in descending order according to weight.
Additional Information
Some larger food labels also contain a section on goals for certain calorie diets (2000 calorie vs. 2500 calorie), and information on calories per gram of fat, carbohydrate and protein.This information is not related to the food.
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