Understanding Food Labels
Understanding Food Labels
SCI 241
University of Phoenix
05/26/2013
The purpose of this paper is to let consumers know they learn of what nutrients are in the foods they eat by reading the labels provided on the product packaging. The 5/20 rule along with the six key label facts allow the average shopper to make informed, and nutritionally balanced decisions, about the foods they eat. Anyone can use the 5/20 rule to judge the nutrients needed for ones health; alternately one can also judge the added ingredients which may be things not needed, such as sodium levels. The “5” in the 5/20 rule means the nutrient is 5% or less of the recommended daily value. For example 5% of fats or sugars are acceptable for a can of chili. The “20” means the nutrient is 20% of the recommended daily value. For example 20% of protein is acceptable. The use of the 5/20 rule provides the knowledge to make informed choices. Nutrition labels are divided into six key facts sections: Serving Size, Amount of Calories, Nutrient Information, Percent (%) Daily Value, and Footnote Daily Values. 1. Serving Size: lists the servings per package. 2. Amount of Calories: the number of calories per serving. 3. Nutrient Information: percentages of unhealthy nutritional values; fat, cholesterol, and sodium. 4. Nutrient Information: percentages of healthy nutritional values; dietary fiber,vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, etc… 5. Percentages (%) Daily Value: percentages of nutrients based on a 2000 or 2500 calories per day. 6. Footnotes:
Three item from my own pantry: Miracle Whip Dressing, Crystal Geyser Natural Spring Water, and SUNCUP 100% Pure Orange Juice From Concentrate.
Miracle Whip – Nutritional Facts
Serving Size 1 Tbsp (15g)
Servings 60
Amount/serving
Calories 40 Fat Cal.30 % Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.5g 5%
Sat. Fat 0.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsat Fat 2g
Monounsat Fat 1g
Cholest<5mg 0%
Sodium 95mg 4%
Total Carb 2g 1%
SCI 241
University of Phoenix
05/26/2013
The purpose of this paper is to let consumers know they learn of what nutrients are in the foods they eat by reading the labels provided on the product packaging. The 5/20 rule along with the six key label facts allow the average shopper to make informed, and nutritionally balanced decisions, about the foods they eat. Anyone can use the 5/20 rule to judge the nutrients needed for ones health; alternately one can also judge the added ingredients which may be things not needed, such as sodium levels. The “5” in the 5/20 rule means the nutrient is 5% or less of the recommended daily value. For example 5% of fats or sugars are acceptable for a can of chili. The “20” means the nutrient is 20% of the recommended daily value. For example 20% of protein is acceptable. The use of the 5/20 rule provides the knowledge to make informed choices. Nutrition labels are divided into six key facts sections: Serving Size, Amount of Calories, Nutrient Information, Percent (%) Daily Value, and Footnote Daily Values. 1. Serving Size: lists the servings per package. 2. Amount of Calories: the number of calories per serving. 3. Nutrient Information: percentages of unhealthy nutritional values; fat, cholesterol, and sodium. 4. Nutrient Information: percentages of healthy nutritional values; dietary fiber,vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, etc… 5. Percentages (%) Daily Value: percentages of nutrients based on a 2000 or 2500 calories per day. 6. Footnotes:
Three item from my own pantry: Miracle Whip Dressing, Crystal Geyser Natural Spring Water, and SUNCUP 100% Pure Orange Juice From Concentrate.
Miracle Whip – Nutritional Facts
Serving Size 1 Tbsp (15g)
Servings 60
Amount/serving
Calories 40 Fat Cal.30 % Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.5g 5%
Sat. Fat 0.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsat Fat 2g
Monounsat Fat 1g
Cholest<5mg 0%
Sodium 95mg 4%
Total Carb 2g 1%