What low sodium and reduced sugar really mean
Nutrition labels can be confusing and healthy-seeming descriptions may not be healthy at all. Here’s how to decode a few of the most common claims.
Bright, colorful phrases on the front of food packages are designed to catch your eye. But what exactly are they claiming? Here’s how to find out.
What does “low” mean?
“Low” means the nutrient is below a specific limit set by the FDA for each serving.
For example, “low sodium” means 140 milligrams of sodium or less per serving. “Low fat” means 3 grams of fat or less per serving.
What about “reduced” or “less”?
“Reduced” or “less” means the product has at least 25% less of a nutrient than the regular version.
“Reduced sugar” does not mean sugar-free. It only means the product has less sugar than the original version.
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Is “no added sugar” the same as “sugar free”?
“No added sugar” means no sugar was added during processing. The food may still contain natural sugars, such as those found in fruit or milk.
“Sugar free” means the product has less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
What does “light” mean on food labels?
“Light” (or “lite”) can mean a few things. It may mean fewer calories or less fat than the regular version. In some cases, it describes color or texture instead of nutrition.
