For the average consumer, reading food labels can be tricky. However, understanding food labels can be an important, and helpful, part of following a healthy diet. The following are some tips to help decipher those confusing food labels.
Serving Size
This is the most important number on the food label. It tells you the quantity of this particular food that provides the nutrient amounts listed. If you eat two servings, then you are getting twice the nutrients listed, for better or worse.
Daily Value
This number is how much of the recommended level of a nutrient this food provides. It is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is the average recommended caloric intake per day.
Calories
This section shows how many calories are in one serving, and how many of those calories are from fat.
Fat
This part states how many grams of fat are found in one serving. It also usually says how much saturated fat it has.
Carbohydrates
This area shows the total carbohydrate amount for one serving. It also has sugar and dietary fiber levels.
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