Last week I attended an event about how to read nutrition facts tables with TV Host Kristina Matisic and Health Canada.
Do you know how to read the table on products you buy? I have found it a bit confusing at times, but with the Focus On The Facts program, I feel better equipped to figure out if I’m making the right food choices for my family (and me!).
Do You Know How to Read a Nutrition Facts Table?
It’s not as complicated as you might think. I was surprised at the simplicity of it as I’ve always been a little intimated by them.
Kristina and Health Canada spoke to us about the educational campaign Focus On The Facts. It was created to help Canadians learn how to read a Nutrition Facts table on products by Health Canada, the Retail Council of Canada, Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), and the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG).
The children were eager to hear how they too can read nutrition tables to make healthy choices. They were sent on a bit of an expedition in the grocery store we visited, to find and compare foods.
Want to know more about reading a Nutrition Facts table?
Here Are Three Simple Steps:
1 | LOOK AT THE SERVING SIZE
On the Nutrition Facts table on the product, have a look at the serving size. Hopefully, the products you’re comparing are both using the same serving size to make it simpler for you to see, at-a-glance, how the percent daily values (see below) compare.
2 | LOOK AT THE PERCENT DAILY VALUE (% DV)
Next, look at the % Daily Value on the table. If you’re concerned about sugar, for example, find that number to the right of its name within the table.
3 | DETERMINE IF THE %DV IS A LOT OR A LITTLE
According to Focus On The Facts, a lot of a nutrient is 5% DV or less and 15% or more is a lot.
There you go!
Now that you are armed with this simple way to read Nutrition Facts tables, go to your pantry (I dare you) and check how much nutritional value is in your breakfast cereal, favourite crackers or granola bars! Let me know if you were surprised with any of your favourite foods.
*This post sponsored by Focus on The Facts. All opinions are my own.