Consumers eager to make healthy choices can easily be swayed by enticing terms, only to find that the labels don’t reflect the true nature of the products. The food industry is well aware of this, with many brands using ambiguous or vague labels to their advantage. In this article, we unravel the truth behind some misleading food labels.
Low-fat Candy
Low-fat candy is one of the most misleading labels out there. All candy contains zero fat unless it has whole nuts or other added ingredients. This label appeals to people looking for a healthier snack, but you still consume highly processed, sugary treats when indulging in low-fat candy.
Superfruit
The term superfruit has been around for a while, but it’s an exaggeration of the benefits of some fruits. While some fruits offer more nutritional value than others, all whole fruits and vegetables are healthy sources of vitamins and minerals. There is no single “superfruit”; instead, include a variety of fruits and vegetables for optimal nutrition.
Low Glycemic Index
Many products advertise low glycemic index (GI) or low glycemic load (GL). While this can benefit people with diabetes, the GI of food is not necessarily an indicator of health. It’s important to think beyond the GI value; fiber, fat, and protein all affect the quick release of sugar into your bloodstream.
100% Natural
The term natural can be misleading as the definition is open to interpretation. In reality, “100% natural” foods are not necessarily free from preservatives or artificial ingredients. They may contain additives like modified food starch, MSG, and other chemicals. Before you buy into this label, read the ingredient list carefully.
Free-range Eggs
“Free-range” eggs sound much healthier than regular eggs, but it doesn’t always mean chickens can access the outdoors. For free-range certification, livestock need access to natural light and outdoor space, meaning they may not even step outside their cage.
No Added Sugars
“No added sugars” can be deceiving as some products still contain natural sugars like honey or fructose. Read the ingredients label to determine which sugars are present. In addition, foods with “no added sugar” may still have a high-calorie count, so don’t be fooled into thinking that these foods are always a healthier alternative.
Multigrain
Including the term “multigrain” does not necessarily ensure the healthiness of a product, as there is no official certification to validate this claim. The label “multigrain” may imply using different grains, like rye and oats, while incorporating refined flours like white flour.
Non-GMO
Consumers have become accustomed to seeing the “non-GMO” label on many products, but this doesn’t always mean a product is healthy or nutritious. GMO ingredients are not necessarily harmful, as genetic modification can be used to create more nutritious foods. The non-GMO label may indicate if it appears on whole, unprocessed foods.
Organic
Organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but this label doesn’t guarantee that a product is healthy or nutritious. Many organic snacks are still highly processed and contain added fats and sugars. Choose organic products carefully; opt for natural, unprocessed options whenever possible.
Gluten-free
Gluten-free products are not always healthier than those containing gluten. Non-gluten grains like corn and rice contain relatively high amounts of carbohydrates, so consuming more can lead to weight gain. Also, many processed gluten-free foods contain additives to enhance flavor or texture.
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This article was produced on Health Makes You.