Understanding Food Labels

Knowing how to read food labels empowers older adults to make healthier choices — supporting heart health, blood sugar control, and overall wellbeing.

Key Information to Look For

• Calories → helps with portion awareness
• Fats → aim for lower saturated fat
• Sugars → limit added sugars
• Salt → choose lower-salt options
• Fibre → higher fibre is beneficial
• Protein → important for muscle health

Traffic Light System

Many labels use red, amber, green symbols to highlight fat, saturated fat, sugars, and salt content:

• Green → low → healthier choice
• Amber → moderate → ok in balance
• Red → high → eat less often and in small amounts

Tips

• Compare similar products → choose healthier option
• Be mindful of portion sizes when reading values
• Check ingredients list → shorter is often better

Understanding labels helps build nutrition confidence and supports better health decisions.

Our Cognitive Resilience Hub also offers resources on understanding modern technologies like AI, helping older adults stay informed and empowered.

Find more practical shopping and eating tips in our Eating Well Hub.