'Health washing' used on food labels
Food label terms that are used too loosely...
The claims made on food labels these days are nothing but confusing. From Organic, to natural and healthy to low fat, they all claim to help us in someway live a fuller and healthier, happier life. But how much of this labelling system is backed with integrity and honesty? A public service educational tool has been created by EnviroMedia Marketing that allows readers to submit food labels and then rate them on whether they are believable or whether they are, what I like to call, 'health washing'.
Here's some of the labelling terms that I'd like to banish to the 'advertising bullshit room' and some advice how to not be sucked in to these terms...
Natural: The word that has no nutritional or legal definition yet appears on millions of packages, including sugar-laden sodas. Ignore it.
Made With: Food products can advertise they are “made with” liquid from the fountain of youth, even if fountain of youth juice makes up less than one percent of the final product. Ignore “made with” unless you are willing to read the entire ingredients label to make sure it’s not also “made with” tons of sugar and unpronounceable chemicals.
Whole Grains: Unless “whole grains” is preceded by 100 percent, watch out. Tiny traces of grains may have prompted the claim, and it’s especially tricky when paired with the other banished phrase, “made with.”
Light: Consumers must decide if 24 grams of sugar in a yogurt container is really “light.” Don’t let advertisers hypnotise you with this word. Read the nutrition information, read the nutrition information, read the nutrition information.
Watch for these terms when you are shopping and don't be sucked into the marketing techniques of big brands, the healthiest food for you and your family is good healthy fruit and veg.
Check out the index of terms here
