Here is a step-by-step method to help you make informed decisions for a healthy diet, even if reading food labels can be intimidating.
Even though there has been a significant improvement in public awareness of food labels and ingredients in recent years, many of us still find ourselves standing in snack aisles, squinting at product labels while attempting to make sense of the large amount of information presented to us. The terms “gluten-free,” “superfood-rich,” “nutrient-dense,” and so forth.
Experts explain all of the jargon and frequent misconceptions regarding snack industry product labels in an interview with HT Lifestyle, which is helpful if you’re a health fanatic who is confused by new terms that suddenly appear on food packaging. Learn how to understand your product labels from experts by reading on.
Knowing the ingredients
It might be challenging to navigate the snack aisle, but paying close attention to labels can help you make wiser, healthier decisions. “Start by looking at the ingredients list. A product with fewer components and more recognizable names is usually less processed. Aashutosh Aggarwal, chief commercial officer of SnackPure, warns consumers to be wary of artificial flavors, added preservatives, and harmful oils like hydrogenated fats or palm oil.
The shopping experience is incomplete, according to Janardhan Swahar, MD and CEO of Y-Cook India Pvt Ltd, until you check a number of items displayed in the snack aisle, which is a maze of mouthwatering options that includes both sweets and savory options. Each visit is made more exciting by the excitement of finding new and familiar treats, but he adds that reading food labels is the most crucial step in making an informed choice.
We must search for sugars that go unnoticed by names like high-fructose corn syrup, maltose, or dextrose. Start by carefully reading the ingredient list and avoid items that have a lot of artificial additives, preservatives, or unfamiliar chemical names. The greatest snack options are those that are free of sodium nitrate or MSG, he claims.
Understanding buzzwords
Janardhan Swahar added, “We also need to be aware of phrases like ‘natural’, ‘organic’, and ‘low-fat’ because they are not necessarily healthy, thus it is essential to cross-check the claims with nutritional values. A product is considered more natural if its ingredient list is less. Because Indian customers place a higher value on authenticity and transparency, the clean label movement is growing in popularity there.
Next, pay attention to the nutritional data. Search for snacks that are “high in protein and fiber but low in added sugars and unhealthy fats,” advises Aashutosh Aggarwal. “Healthy fats, moderate carbs, and essential nutrients without excessive sodium should be included in a balanced snack,” he advises. Additionally, look for certifications such as claims that a product is nutrient-dense, gluten-free, or superfood-rich. However, always check claims with the component list rather than depending just on front-label jargon. You can eat healthy snacks without sacrificing flavor by making thoughtful, modest decisions.
Why it is important
Ankit Kaushal, vice president of New Era Machines, claims that clean labeling is more than simply a fad; it’s a dedication to openness, excellence, and customer confidence that goes beyond eliminating chemical additives and involves using well-known, natural ingredients without sacrificing flavor or shelf life. He claims that modern shoppers are more knowledgeable than ever before, examining labels and looking for authenticity when making purchases.
As producers, it is our duty to guarantee production accuracy in addition to using quality ingredients. Weight uniformity across the production process is essential because any deviation could result in pack weights that differ from those listed on the wrapper, which would affect efficiency, compliance, and consumer confidence.
“We concentrate on advanced automation and precision engineering to maintain uniformity and quality at every stage,” says Ankit Kaushal. Trust is the foundation of snacking in the future, and it begins with the way we prepare each biscuit.
Final thoughts
What you feed your family and yourself depends on every choice you make. Experts advise that since artificial ingredients, high sodium, and additional sugars are frequently concealed behind upscale packaging, it’s worthwhile to look past the marketing hype.