A practical guide to reading food labels

Food labels are comparison tools, not simple good-or-bad scores. Begin with the serving size, then check ingredients and the nutrition panel in the context of how much you actually eat.

Compare similar products for fibre, protein, sodium and added sugar. A shorter ingredient list is not automatically healthier, and unfamiliar scientific names are not automatically harmful.

Use labels to support an overall eating pattern. Enjoyment, culture, budget and convenience are legitimate parts of a sustainable food choice.