How to Read Food Labels | Eat Sustainably

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3 min read

Reading labels is a skill. Once you learn how and the more you practice, the quicker it will be. Without getting swept up in the clever marketing or often-misleading claims on the front of food packages, such as 'all natural', there are three key things to look at.

These are the 1) Ingredients List; 2) Nutrition Information Panel and 3) food origin symbol (help on how to read food origins labels here). Please note, there is other information on food packaging that must be included and may be relevant to you, such as potential allergens.

Food labels are regulated in Australia by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), meaning there is a set of rules that all packaged foods need to contain. But there are always products that slip through the cracks - intentionally or unintentionally. If you spot something that doesn't look right and feel the social responsibility to report it, we encourage you to send a quick email to your local food unit. See the FSANZ website for information on the contact details in your state.