If you’ve ever gone cross-eyed trying to read a nutrition label on your food, you’re in luck.
In February, the Food and Drug Administration unveiled some significant changes to the labels that are intended to reduce confusion about what’s healthy and what isn’t.
The proposed changes—which are the first significant ones in over twenty years— were presented by First Lady Michelle Obama, who said, “Our guiding principle here is very simple: that you as a parent and a consumer should be able to walk into your local grocery store, pick up an item off the shelf, and be able to tell whether it’s good for your family.”
Today I’m over at No Sweat again breaking down some of the major changes we could see. Check it out and let me know if you think they’ll help your family eat healthier or not!
14 responses to “Will This Make Healthy Eating Easier?”
I couldn’t seem to comment there and I can’t deal with CAPTCHA so I’m commenting here!
I like the serving size and added sugars changes. The FDA appalls me on a daily basis. I wonder how much of an uproar it would cause if they had to be more specific than “natural flavors.” I see that all over the place and I wonder what it means!
I often think the same thing! If it’s really natural, then why not say what it actually is???
It sounds like it could be helpful. I have the same issue with the natural flavors too though.
I know it’s simple math, but maybe putting a total calorie count on labels would help people realize just how much they’re eating if they consume a whole package! And my husband and I always laugh at the serving sizes on ice cream cartons. 14 servings?! ha ha ha. Right…
I vaguely remember hearing about a study that showed a vast majority of people don’t realize there are usually more than a single serving in a package…if that’s true, it will be very helpful to have the total calorie count for the package nice and clear!
LOL That’s when I bust out the calculator, ‘what is 14 time 330?’
Good post Katie – I was able to comment over on the other site!
I love our First Lady, she’s really trying to better our country. And I agree that labels are confusing if you don’t read them meticulously.
I can see why they would make the serving size according to what people really eat vs what they should eat because then the grams and calories reflect more real-life numbers. But I actually did like how the serving size said what you should eat because I would use that to determine how much I should serve myself!
That’s true! I’m hoping the serving sizes are more realistic but also within a healthy range for exactly this reason!
This new label looks easy to read, lists calories in BOLD and larger font and better highlights the # of servings per container. I wish they could add some of the fonts in color to really make it more pronounced for those who aren’t color blind. I think it is a step in the right direction and updating with the times especially after 20 years.
Thanks for the information on the changes. And thanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real party this week.
I commented on the No Sweat site, but I wanted to comment on the “natural” ingredients comment mentioned.
I think the reason they don’t actually SAY what it is is because it may be natural but unappetizing. Such as the color additive of carmine or cochineal extract — found in things like strawberry yogurt — which is actually crushed beetles. I think people would be turned off if they read “crushed beetles” in the list of ingredients. LOL! You need to be a researcher to understand what’s in your packaged food. That’s why, as I said in the comment on No Sweat, I try as much as possible to eat foods that don’t have an ingredient list — such as apples, carrots, kale, etc. — or at least ingredients I can identify and pronounce. 🙂
Great point, Rebecca! The truth certainly isn’t always appetizing. I agree that eating more foods that don’t require a nutrition label – fresh fruits and veggies! – is the best way to go.