Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Look for on Food Labels?

One of the big problems with trying to figure out if what you are eating is good for you is deciphering the food label. Over the past few years, food labeling has been redesigned so that the labels are easier to read. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has mandated what contents need to be listed on each food label if the ingredient is present. An example of this is how trans fat is now required to be listed on a food label. The following are required to be listed on every food label:

• List of ingredients: these are listed in descending order by weight
• Serving size
• Servings per container: this is important to notice because there are many products that you may think are only one serving but they actually contain 2 or more servings.
• Amount per serving of the following: calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Source:

• Delaware Health and Social Services