Figuring out food labels

Do you know what to look out for when reading the labels of the food and drinks that you buy? Read and browse through our gallery to find out.

What’s in a name?

Before deciding whether to buy a particular food or drink, you’ll have to know what it is first. For this, the label must give you the exact description of the product. So if you’re buying milk, the package should clearly tell you what kind of milk it is (i.e. whole milk, low fat, skimmed, or flavoured).

Weight matters

To make the most out of your purchase, look at the net weight of the package. Then pick another brand of that same product and compare the price and amount for both. From here, you’ll know which product is the more economical choice!

Healthier choices made easy

If you’re strapped for time at the supermarket (with tired, cranky kids in tow), there’s always an easier way to spot the healthier choice products on the shelves without going through the long nutritional panel!

Storage and usage instructions

To keep food safe to eat and to ensure that it tastes good and that all the essential nutrients are retained, you must store it as instructed. The key here is to read and follow instructions. Ice cream must be placed in the freezer while butter stays in the chiller. For food that requires some cooking time, be sure to follow the preparation instructions to make the final product good to eat – and good for you.

The nutrition panel

Here’s where you get the actual nutritional value of your food/drink. Take note, the amount of each nutrient is listed in 2 formats – per 100g or per 100ml and per serving.

The ingredient list

This section of the label tells you exactly what is in your food. This usually starts off with the ingredients that are found in the largest amount, and goes all the way down to one found in the least quantity.

Written by

Justina Goh

picky eatingreading food labels