There are too many options! Want some cereal? You will have to chose from at least fifty types. Food labels try to win you over. ( "Buy me!") It is important to know the differences in label claims when selecting foods to purchase especially when aiming to eat a healthy balanced diet. Below are brief explanations of label claims.

Calories

Low calorie: 40 calories or less per serving

Reduced calorie: 25% or more fewer calories per serving compared to original product

Light/lite: 1/3rd the amount of calories per serving found in the original product

Sodium:

Sodium free: Less than 5 mg of per serving

Low sodium: Less than 140 mg per serving

Very low sodium: 35 mg or less per serving

Reduced sodium: Overall sodium level reduced from original product by 25%

Unsalted, no salt added: Contains sodium naturally occuring in food, but made without adding sodium that is normally used in preparation

Fat

Low Fat: 3 grams (or less) of fat per serving

Fat free: Less than 1/2 gram of fat per serving

Reduced fat: At least 25% less fat compared to original product

Sugar

Sugar free: Less than 1/2 grams of sugar per serving

Reduced sugar: At least 25% less sugar per serving compared to original product