Reading labels

3 min read

A label is not a verdict. It is a short, standardized description of what is inside.

Try it on a real label

Every line here is tappable. Try the ones you have always skipped.

Nutrition Facts

The basics

A glass measuring cup of granola beside small ceramic bowls on a linen cloth

Start with the serving size

Every number describes one serving — not the package.

Small bowls of oats, sugar, salt and seeds arranged from largest to smallest

The ingredient list is ordered by weight

The first few names are what the food mostly is.

A bowl of plain yogurt with fresh berries beside a spoonful of sugar

Added sugars vs. total sugars

Total includes what was already in the milk or fruit.

A softly blurred grocery aisle lined with packaged foods

Front-of-package claims are marketing first

Read the claim, then turn the package over.

Words that sound like facts

Try it yourself

A few quick tries on a sample label. Nothing is counted or kept.

This package has about 2.5 servings. Tap the number that describes the whole package, not one serving.

Nutrition Facts

You do not need to memorize a label. Knowing where to look is enough.