We are going to talk about how to read the Nutrition Facts label on the back of food packages. Tips for healthier living are everywhere today, it is often challenging to get the straight up facts. There are new foods and trends popping up what seems like every single day.
My goal in this article is to help you make informed choices when it comes to feeding your family.
First and foremost, we must always remember that fresh food is always best. Whenever possible, shopping on the perimeter of your grocery store will ensure that your family is consuming foods that are best for your overall health. However, life is busy and packaged foods are inevitable. This is why learning how to read the nutrition facts labels properly is crucial so that you know exactly what you are putting into your grocery cart.
I am doing this with help from a joint initiative of the Food and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) and Health Canada.
TIP: Use the “Serving Size” in the Nutrition Facts table on packaged foods to compare similar foods.
After looking at the serving size, take a look at the % DV (daily value). By using the Serving Size and % DV in the Nutrition Facts table, you can choose foods that have more of the nutrients that you WANT like fibre and calcium, and less of those you don’t want, like saturated and trans fats and sodium.
5% DV or less is considered a little
15% DV or more is considered a lot
Be sure to visit Canada.ca/Nutritionfacts to learn more about nutrition facts labels and how to feed your family the healthiest foods as possible!
Prize: A $100 Grocery Gift Card
Open to: Canadian Residents, excluding QC
Giveaway Ends: DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THIS GIVEAWAY WILL END ON FRIDAY MARCH 25, 2016 AT 11:59PM et.
This post was a sponsored post. The opinions are completely my own.
Usually we shop at Walmart, Costco, No Frills and Sobeys. I do read the labels since I am trying to make healthier choices for my family.
Usually we shop at Walmart, Costco, No Frills and Sobeys. I do read the labels since I am trying to make healthier choices for my family.
I usually shop at Dominion or Sobeys,and yes i always read the nutrition facts on labels because i have to watch the salt/sugar content
I usually shop at Dominion or Sobeys,and yes i always read the nutrition facts on labels because i have to watch the salt/sugar content
I tend to shop at Safeway and regularly read labels – although a lot of sugar and salt gets hidden and that’s discouraging!
I shop at Dominion, Sobey’s, and Costco and I always read labels.
I shop at Dominion, Sobey’s, and Costco and I always read labels.
I mostly shop at Independent and Metro, I read the label’s on products I’m not familiar with or I’m thinking about trying.
I mostly shop at Independent and Metro, I read the label’s on products I’m not familiar with or I’m thinking about trying.
I hope at Sobey’s, Dominion, no frills and Costco. I read labels on new products.
Florence C
I hope at Sobey’s, Dominion, no frills and Costco. I read labels on new products.
Florence C
I shop where it’s cheapest. I read labels on what I’m not familiar with. I’m lucky with eggs. My uncles grows them and I get them from him!
I grocery store hop! But often I go to Independent, Save-On or Safeway, sometimes SuperStore.
I shop at SDM, Walmart and Superstore.
i shop at zehrs. i dont often look at the nutrition labels but i should
i shop at zehrs. i dont often look at the nutrition labels but i should
I shop a Freshco and I do read labels
I shop a Freshco and I do read labels
I shop at Dominion (Loblaws) and always check my labels.
I shop at Loblaws, and always read the labels on anything new
I like to shop at Metro! I read most labels on products!
I shop at Zehrs (Loblaws), Food Basics, Walmart. I really try to stop & read the labels on most products we buy.
Freshco and Sobey’s are my go-to! I try and read labels as often as possible!
I normally shop at Walmart, but also shop occasionally at either sobeys or safeway. I try to read the labels on most products.
I shop at Walmart and Superstore (Loblaws). I usually do check the labels especially if it’s a new brand or product that I am considering buying.
I usually shop at our local Foodland store or Dominion (Loblaws) ,,I sometimes read the labels,if I am comparing 2 different products.
I’m a Sobeys shopper. I usually do check labels, mostly for sugar.
I’m a Sobeys shopper. I usually do check labels, mostly for sugar.
I usually shop at Loblaws or Food Basics and I always look at the labels.
I shop at Foodland and Independent the most but I do shop elsewhere as well.
I check some labels, not all.
I follow the flyers to decide where I shop, so I go to many places. For items which are new to me I almost always read the labels.
I do read the labels, I usually shop at No Frills, Food Basics or Walmart, all within walking distance
I do most of my shopping at Walmart because of price matching and they are cheaper, but I do enjoy going to Metro as well, and since being on WW I do look at the labels now!!
No Frills is where I do most of my food shopping these days. It’s not often that I read the labels as it’s mostly the same articles that I buy all the time.
No Frills is where I do most of my food shopping these days. It’s not often that I read the labels as it’s mostly the same articles that I buy all the time.
I prefer Loblaw umbrella stores. And label reading is a must for me!
I shop at Metro and I do read the lables
I shop at Zehrs and Freshco and I always read labels
I shop at Zehrs and Freshco and I always read labels
I follow the sales so I shop wherever the deals are the best and always read the labels
I usually shop at Independent and I try to read the labels especially on new products we are trying.
I usually shop at Superstore. I often read the labels.
I usually shop at Superstore. I often read the labels.
I usually shop at Superstore. I read the labels especially if it’s a new product.
I usually shop at Superstore. I read the labels especially if it’s a new product.
I shop at Zehrs/Loblaws or Sobeys/FreshCo! All are close to my home! I do like to look at labels. <3
i shop at YIG and i just recently started checking labels.
i shop at frescho and Costco. I always look at labels
i shop at frescho and Costco. I always look at labels
Walmart and I read no evil, see no evil and grow all the evil
food basics walmart and i look at food labels
food basics walmart and i look at food labels
I enjoy shopping at Sobeys and I *sometimes* look at the nutrition labels
I enjoy shopping at Sobeys and I *sometimes* look at the nutrition labels
We usually shop at Superstore or Wal Mart. Yes, I tend to read the labels frequently
Superstore, Costco and Co-op! We read labels (and best before dates etc).
I shop at Walmart and Save on Foods. Sometimes I look at the labels.
We usually shop at Costco and Sobeys
no frills . I usually do check the labels
We usually shop at an Independent. We always check labels.
I shop at No Frills and Zehrs. I check some labels but not all of them.
I usually shop at Food Basics and Zehrs.
I often read labels, especially when I am concerned about my weight.
We usually shop at Your Independent Grocer, I look for whole grains and fibre on the nutrition labels.
I usually shop at Sobeys, and I sometimes read the labels.
I shop at Food Basics and Loblaws. I always read the ingredients and labels and am most interested in sodium and sugar. I generally know when something has too much fat 😉
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I shop at Food Basics and Loblaws. I always read the ingredients and labels and am most interested in sodium and sugar. I generally know when something has too much fat 😉
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I shop at superstore and I usually do look at the labels
I shop at superstore and I usually do look at the labels
I shop at Fortinos, Food Basics and Sobeys. I certainly read the labels more than I ever have, but I don’t always read them . . . usually if it’s a product I don’t usually purchase I take the time to do that.
I shop at Fortinos, Food Basics and Sobeys. I certainly read the labels more than I ever have, but I don’t always read them . . . usually if it’s a product I don’t usually purchase I take the time to do that.
I usually shop at Superstore and I always read the labels!
usually go to costco and superstore. i read the labels sometimes
I usually shop at the Real Canadian Superstore and I do read the labels most of the times.
I usually shop at the Real Canadian Superstore and I do read the labels most of the times.
We usually go to zehrs and Freshco. I read the labels most of the time
We usually go to zehrs and Freshco. I read the labels most of the time
I recently started most of my shopping at walmart not that we have a supercentre and we have been reading out labels lately as the whole house is on a weightloss program
Most of my shopping is done at Real Canadian Superstore. I don’t usually read the nutrition facts.
I shop at superstore and I am usually so frazzled by the crowds i jsut grab what i want and get out. Dont pay attention to the labels
I shop at superstore and I am usually so frazzled by the crowds i jsut grab what i want and get out. Dont pay attention to the labels
I usually shop at Costco and Walmart for groceries. Sometimes I read the labels and sometimes I don’t..
Yes, I do read labels.
I am getting better at reading the labels, we shop at save on
I am getting better at reading the labels, we shop at save on
i shop a lot at fortinos and metro and yes i always check the labels. always!
i shop a lot at fortinos and metro and yes i always check the labels. always!
Sobeys is my FAVE store and I am learning to read labels…
Sobeys is my FAVE store and I am learning to read labels…
Usually RCSS and I do look at the labels
Usually RCSS and I do look at the labels
I usually show at No Frill and Walmart. I usually read the label for new product and those I purchase for sure.
Usually shop at superstore and I always read labels
I shop at Superstore and Walmart for groceries. I read the labels mostly on snack products for the kids.
It would be great to win a $100 Grocery Gift Card.
In response to your questions of
What store(s) do you usually do your grocery shopping at?
Do you stop to read the nutrition facts on labels?
I usually do my grocery shopping at Walmart or Sobeys
and yes i read the nutrition facts on labels.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
I often shop at sobeys. I don’t often read the labels.
I grocery shop at Walmart,Loblaws,and Giant Tiger.I read nutrition labels.
I shop mainly at Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, Giant Tiger, and a local store called Gateway Meat Market. I sometimes read the nutrition labels.
I often shop at Freshco and No Frills for the PC Points. They price match for me which is very convenient. I do not read the labels.
I usually shop at No Frills and Walmart, and yes i am reading the labels more then i did before.
I usually shop at Food Basics, Walmart, or RCSS and yes I do read the labels on products that I haven’t purchased previously, the items that I purchase on a regular basis I’ve already read.
I do most of our shopping at No Frills. Great produce at our store in town. And great prices too. I do stop and read labels, and am sometimes surprised at how much sugar and salt are in some foods.
I usually shop at Sobeys and for the most part I read the nutritional labels.
I shop at Superstore and Walmart, occasionally Sobey’s. I read every label in my determination to eliminate GMO/roundup from my diet!
I usually shop at Fortinos & No Frills. I usually check the nutrition label for the serving size – fat content, calories, and fibre.
I usually shop at No Frills, and have to admit I’m negligent when it comes to reading labels.
I do most of my grocery shopping at Walmart and yes I always check the nutrition labels.
I shop at Loblaws…sometimes I read labels but not often
We do most of our grocery shopping at No Frills and yes we do read labels, husband is diabetic and has high cholesterol so reading labels is a must
We do most of our grocery shopping at No Frills and yes we do read labels, husband is diabetic and has high cholesterol so reading labels is a must
We do most of our shopping at zehrs and we do read the labels, although not as thoroughly as we should!
I usually shop at Superstore and Costco, and I do read the labels on the products I buy.
Since Sobey’s and Safeway joined, I feel like Safeway has increased their prices. I’ve recently discovered No Frills and I’m totally impressed with their selection and prices. My new year’s resolution was to read more labels, and I certainly am. I try to stay towards the perimeter of the store, produce, dairy, bakery and fresh meats.
I usually shop at superstore and sometimes check the labels.
I read the nutrition facts. I usually shop at Costco and Superstore.
We do most of our shopping at No Frills. Occasionally I will read the nutrition labels.
We do most of our shopping at No Frills. Occasionally I will read the nutrition labels.
I usually shop at Loblaws or Costco. I do check the labels and compare.
I love superstore and go there primarily go there. I try and read the labels but don’t fully understand
I do most of my groceries at Food Basics and Zehrs. Yes, I do read the labels, especially when it’s for my kids!
We shop mostly at Food Basics or Metro. I read labels big time!
mostly Costco; always read the labels. thanks
I do most of my grocery shopping at Walmart and Independant grocer and I always check the nutrition labels
I like shopping at our local CO-OP, SDM and RCSS
I shop at Superstore & I do check the nutrition labels
I usually shop at Walmart . I try to look at labels but I honestly don’t look at all of them
I usually shop at Walmart . I try to look at labels but I honestly don’t look at all of them
I like to shop at Walmart & at times No Frills. At times, I do look at the labels but mostly on non new items I don’t. After reading this I think I will start paying attention more to what is in the actual product.
I like to shop at No Frills and Walmart.I have been reading the labels to check for less sugar and salt content in the foods I purchase.
I usually shop at No Frills and Walmart. But usually I don’t look at labels
I usually shop at Dominion
i shop at no frills or superstore and I always check the labels. my son has type 1 diabetes so always checking carbs and fiber
I usually shop at costco and i don’t always check labels like i should!
I shop most at Your Independant. I sometimes check labels – usually more often when it is a new product I am thinking of trying.
Costco; always read the labels.
I shop at Sobeys and foodland and I always read the lables.
I usually shop at Save on Foods.I often read the labels on my food. I like to avoid hydrogenated oils and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
I usually shop at Loblaws (Superstore) and we have actually just started reading the labels on the products we buy after finding out all the stuff that was being put into the things we were buying we always check now
I usually shop at Real Canadian Superstore and I do read labels
Usually I shop at no frills or Walmart. Yes, I usually read labels.
I tend to shop at No Frills or Independent. Yep, I read labels because of allergies.
I actually shop at several stores: save-on-foods, costco, nature’s fare. I always read nutritional labels, when I forget to, I sometimes find something bad when I do look at the label later.
I usually shop at Independent and Superstore and I read labels.
we go to Safeway and we often read labels
we go to Safeway and we often read labels
I have 2 main grocery stores that I shop at 1. No Frills & 2. Freshco. But I also go to Food Basics, Sobeys, Zehrs and Walmart. It depends where I am.
We usually go to Superstore and I read labels all the time
I usually shop at No Frills and Loblaws. I read the labels as much as possible.
I live in a small area so we only have 3 grocery stores. I do my shopping at YIGS and a bit at Wal-Mart. I always read the labels which I started doing a few years ago.
I live in a small area so we only have 3 grocery stores. I do my shopping at YIGS and a bit at Wal-Mart. I always read the labels which I started doing a few years ago.
Loblaws, Sobeys Wal-Mart and yes i stop to read labels
I generally Shop @ Sobeys and Walmart
I generally Shop @ Sobeys and Walmart
I always read the labels. I like to know what I am buying.
I always read the labels. I like to know what I am buying.
I shop at Zehrs and Walmart the most and I’m always reading labels
I shop Food Basics and Lococo’s.Yes, I read the nutritional labels.
I usually shop at Zehrs and No Frills. Yes, I always read the labels.
we shop at nofrills and i read labels on processed foods
I shop at Basics and Loblaws. I usually read labels on things.
I seldom read the labels
I do most of my shopping at either Safeway or Save-on-Foods. I always read the labels, my husband is diabetic.
Very informative. i do about half of this so will have to improve!
I mostly shop @ Co-Op. I do try to read most labels.
I shop at Freshco and Zehrs, I do read most of the labels
I shop at Walmart!
I shop at both No Frills and Zehrs depending on what I need. I’m always reading the nutrition labels.
we always shop at one of the loblaws chains and yes i check the labels for fat and sugar
I usually shop at the Real Canadian Superstore and I read the labels but find that I’m always looking at the same things usually – fat, calories, and sometimes sugar. I need to start looking at the other things as well!
Either at Sobeys or the Superstore. I do take some time to read the labels.
I usually shop at Metro and I read the nutrition labels most of the time-checking fat and sugar contesnt.
I usually shop at Metro and I read the nutrition labels most of the time-checking fat and sugar contesnt.
I usually shop at loblaws and metro and I do read labels!
I do most of my shopping at Walmart since they allow price matching. I always read the labels.
I do most of my shopping at Sobeys and i absolutely read the nutrient label on any new products I buy
I mostly shop at loblaws.
I always read the nutrition labels on products new to me. I shop a lot at No Frills for my produce, yogurts and canned foods. Other stores, I use for sale items, usually.