Definition Nutrition

I can get so confused perusing the aisles in a grocery. When one box of crackers says “low fat” and the one next to it boasts “reduced fat”, how am I supposed to make a decision?!

Luckily, once I learned a few key terms and their definitions, grocery shopping healthfully became a heck of a lot easier – and quicker.

Calorie Free – less than 5 calories per serving

Low Calorie – 40 calories or less per serving

Sugar Free – less than 0.5 gram of sugar per serving

Fat Free – less than 0.5 gram of fat per serving

Low Cholesterol – 20 mg or less and 2 grams or less of saturated fat per serving

Low Sodium – 140 mg or less of sodium per serving

High Fiber – 5 or more grams of fiber per serving

Reduced – at least 25% less of the specified nutrient or of calories than the normal product

High in – contains 20% or more of the Daily Value of a specified nutrient per serving

Good Source of – provides at least 10-19% of the Daily Value of a particular nutrient per serving

These key terms from the FDA set the standards for health claims important to health conscious consumers. Although I buy most of my groceries in their whole and unprocessed forms, it’s always a great feeling to be able to interpret the labels and know how to make the healthiest choices.