Understanding Food Labels

Get the facts you need to put your trust in the food system

Please note this course runs without facilitation

Huge amounts of information are provided on food product labels, but surveys have shown that we’re often unsure of its meaning.

On this course, you’ll learn how to make sense of the regulations, data, and logos on packaging so that you can make more informed food choices.

You’ll become more aware of what’s in the food you’re buying, the reference intakes for different people, and the nutritional value and environmental sustainability of different foods.

You’ll also gain a better understanding of food labelling regulations, as well as the claims food producers are allowed to make.

Disclaimer: The course content is for educational purposes only. Information and opinions contained in the course content are as of the release date 7th September 2020. In respect of any information or opinion supplied in the course content, this is provided in good faith, however no warranty or representation of any kind is made, given or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, completeness or sufficiency of any information or opinion except for the educational purpose of completing the course. Therefore, the course participant shall in all cases be entirely and solely liable for the use to which it puts such information and opinions.

This course is designed for anyone who makes food purchasing choices and wants to learn more about what goes into their food, the health benefits of what they eat and the sustainability of how it’s produced.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on this topic, you might also find of interest the following EIT Food courses on food, nutrition and science communication:

• Food and Nutrition: The Truth Behind Food Headlines
• Engaging with Controversies in the Food System
• Understanding Mediterranean and Okinawa Diets
• Nutrition for Health and Sustainability

This course is designed for anyone who makes food purchasing choices and wants to learn more about what goes into their food, the health benefits of what they eat and the sustainability of how it’s produced.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on this topic, you might also find of interest the following EIT Food courses on food, nutrition and science communication:

• Food and Nutrition: The Truth Behind Food Headlines
• Engaging with Controversies in the Food System
• Understanding Mediterranean and Okinawa Diets
• Nutrition for Health and Sustainability

• Interpret a typical food label - be familiar with the categories of information labels contain and why they are important.
• Reflect on ingredient lists and discover your recommended daily allowances.
• Compare trustworthy health claims and those inspired by marketeers.
• Collect reliable information to base your buying decisions on.
• Assess the complexities of labelling food according to production values such as sustainability and animal welfare.
• Interpret the limitations of food labels - what they don't tell you.