Understanding the Maze of Nutrition Symbols and Nutrition Labeling Systems

Abstract

First, there were nutrition labels. Then came nutrition claims, which point to a food's particular nutrition property.1 Now, in an attempt to simplify food products' nutritional qualities even more for consumers, a variety of nutrition symbols and nutrition labeling systems are being developed by health experts, grocery stores, and food manufacturers. This article reviews these nutrition labeling systems to help diabetes dietitians and other health care providers help their clients maximize their use of these systems to make healthier food choices. Nutrition labeling is based on the premise that providing consumers more information can help them understand the nutrient content of foods, which will lead them to improve their purchase decisions and eat a healthier diet.2-5 Consumers prefer nutrition labeling that is easy to interpret and use.6 Although the appearance of calories and number of servings on a food label may seem straightforward to the average consumer, it is still complex; consumers struggle to make sense of calories in the context of individual differences of energy expenditure6 and number of calories in a portion.7 Nutrition information can also be confusing when it comes to specific nutrients, as is the case with fats. Although knowledge about trans fats has reached a similar level as knowledge about saturated fat and resulted in improved self-reported behaviors related to grocery shopping, consumers still struggle to properly identify food sources of trans fats.8 As a result of consumer confusion, organizations are trying to create new ways to help consumers weave through the maze of nutrition information at the grocery store. Although the expectation is that these new labeling systems will help consumers purchase and eat more nutritious foods, there is no clear evidence to date of their positive effect on the improvement of dietary patterns.5 Table …