Tag: Nutrition labeling

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the 'calorie' listed on a Nutrition Facts table is technically a 'kilocalorie'. This is why some labels say kcal—it's a scientifically accurate term for the energy unit that is commonly referred to as a 'calorie' in everyday language. The interchangeable usage of these terms is the source of frequent confusion for consumers tracking their nutritional intake.

According to the CDC, many packaged and processed foods contain added sugars for flavor and preservation, a practice that is absent from fresh produce. The core distinction between naturally occurring sweetness and manufactured additives is key to answering the question: Do whole foods have added sugar?

According to the Pan American Health Organization, front-of-package labels are a key policy tool for reducing the intake of critical nutrients like sugars, fats, and sodium, which are linked to a rise in diet-related diseases. This is a primary reason why is front of packaging labeling so important for public health initiatives and empowering consumers to make better decisions.

According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the FDA does not officially recognize a category for "sports drinks"; instead, they fall into broader classifications. This critical distinction is at the heart of the question, "Are sports drinks regulated by the FDA?" and determines how they are handled from a regulatory standpoint.

The human body absorbs synthetic folic acid, found in supplements and fortified foods, at a higher rate (about 85%) than the naturally occurring folate in food (around 50%). This critical difference is the reason the term DFE is used on nutrition labels.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for selenium in adults is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day, a threshold established to prevent adverse health effects from excessive intake. The FDA regulates selenium across various product categories to protect public health and ensure appropriate intake and labeling.

According to the National Institutes of Health, dietary folate equivalent (DFE) values are used because the body absorbs synthetic folic acid more easily than natural folate from foods. The measurement of 1700 mcg DFE on a product label indicates a specific level of total folate availability, calculated to account for the different absorption rates of various forms of vitamin B9.

The US dietary supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar market, but it is heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For consumers, deciphering the information on a supplement label is crucial for making informed choices about the products they consume. Understanding the regulations for accurate and compliant labeling is essential for both manufacturers and users.

Aspartame contains 4 calories per gram, which is the same caloric density as sugar. This may surprise many who see it as a key ingredient in 'zero-calorie' diet products. So, **Does Aspartame really have no calories?** The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

According to the FDA, a product with a serving size containing fewer than five calories can be rounded down to zero, which is the marketing basis for what is the zero calorie popcorn butter. This flavor enhancer is not a true calorie-free product, but rather a butter-flavored oil dispensed in tiny amounts per spray.