Nutrient Content Claims
When choosing a food, you should always check the nutrition facts panel. This is where you’ll find information including a product’s serving size, calorie count, fat, carbohydrates and protein amounts. But let’s be honest, do you really spend time at the grocery store looking at labels and comparing them? It would take hours, and only nerdy dietitians like me actually spend that kind of time checking label information. Instead, most shoppers rely on the information that’s advertised on the front of a package. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the “information” marketing experts put on the front of the box, things like, “100% whole grain,” or “reduced fat.” Not surprisingly, every food company is putting something on the front of packaging to entice us to grab their brand. These claims are designed to catch our eye, but keep in mind they are primarily about marketing the product — not necessarily about nutrition. Does a particular nutrient claim mean the food is actu