Two Examples of Label Claims for Healthy Food Choices Explained

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are leading global risks to health. To combat this, understanding food labels is crucial, and knowing what two examples of label claims relating to healthy food choices signify can help consumers make more informed decisions when navigating the grocery store aisles. These claims can be broadly categorized into nutrient content claims and health claims, each providing a different level of detail about a product's nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down common healthy food label claims, clarifying the true meaning behind terms like 'Low Fat' and 'Made with Whole Grains.' It explains the regulatory definitions and criteria these products must meet. Consumers will gain practical insights to help them make more informed purchases based on a product's actual nutritional content, moving beyond misleading marketing tactics.

Key Points

Low Fat vs. Low Calorie: A 'Low Fat' claim doesn't mean a product is low in calories, as sugar or salt may be added to improve flavor; always check the Nutrition Facts panel.
Whole Grains Percentage: The claim 'Made with Whole Grains' does not guarantee a high percentage of whole grains; check the ingredient list to see where whole grains fall in the order.
The Health Halo Effect: Be aware of the "health halo effect," where a single positive claim like 'low fat' makes an overall unhealthy product seem healthy.
Understand Claim Categories: Differentiate between nutrient content claims (e.g., 'low fat'), health claims (links food to a disease risk), and structure/function claims (links food to a bodily function).
Ingredient Order is Key: Ingredients are listed by weight. Check if whole grains are listed first to verify if a product is primarily composed of them.
Use the Daily Value Percentage: The % Daily Value (%DV) on labels helps determine if a food is high or low in a nutrient relative to a total daily diet.
Voluntary Certification: Look for third-party certifications, like the Whole Grain Stamp, for added assurance and transparency beyond mandatory labeling.

Demystifying Food Label Claims

Food labels are a primary source of information for consumers seeking to make healthier choices, but they can be confusing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and similar regulatory bodies worldwide have established specific criteria for claims to prevent misleading advertising. By understanding the definitions and limitations of these claims, shoppers can accurately assess a food's nutritional value and make selections that align with their health goals.

Example 1: The 'Low Fat' Nutrient Content Claim

One of the most frequently used label claims is "Low Fat." This falls under the category of a nutrient content claim, which describes the level of a nutrient in a food. For a product to legally bear a "Low Fat" label in the U.S., it must contain 3 grams of total fat or less per serving. This claim is a useful indicator for individuals managing their fat intake for weight management or heart health.

What "Low Fat" Really Means

Quantitative Threshold: The 3-gram rule provides a clear, objective measure. However, it's essential to consider the serving size. A large bag of chips might be labeled "Low Fat," but if you eat the whole bag, you will have consumed a significant amount of fat.
Not Calorie-Free: A low-fat product isn't necessarily low in calories. Manufacturers often add sugar or salt to enhance the flavor when fat is removed, potentially negating the perceived health benefits. Checking the total calorie count and the "Added Sugars" line on the Nutrition Facts panel is crucial.
Health Halo Effect: Consumers may assume a "Low Fat" product is universally healthy, a phenomenon known as the "health halo effect". This can lead to overconsumption based on a single piece of information, without considering the overall nutritional profile.

Example 2: The 'Made with Whole Grains' Claim

Another common claim, "Made with Whole Grains," can be a powerful marketing tool for products like breads, cereals, and crackers. For many, this phrase implies that the product is a rich source of fiber and other nutrients found in whole grains. However, the claim's interpretation requires a closer look at the ingredients list.

Deconstructing the Whole Grain Claim

No Minimum Standard: A significant pitfall of this claim is that there is no federal standard requiring a minimum percentage of whole grains. A product can contain a high proportion of refined white flour and still be labeled "Made with Whole Grains" as long as some whole grains are included.
Ingredient Order Matters: The ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, with the most prevalent ingredient first. To find out if a product is truly whole-grain rich, check if a whole grain (like "whole wheat flour" or "rolled oats") is one of the first few ingredients.
Compare to the Whole Grain Stamp: The Whole Grains Council offers a voluntary Whole Grain Stamp, which indicates the number of grams of whole grains per serving. Products with this stamp provide more transparency than a simple "Made with Whole Grains" claim.

Comparing Common Food Label Claims


Claim Category	Examples	Requirements	Potential Consumer Misinterpretation	How to Verify
Nutrient Content Claim	"Low Fat," "Low Sodium," "Sugar-Free"	Regulated by FDA; specifies a defined amount of a nutrient per serving.	May focus solely on the single highlighted nutrient, ignoring other potentially unhealthy ingredients.	Check the full Nutrition Facts panel for total calories, added sugars, and sodium.
Qualified Health Claim	"Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove...".	Supported by scientific evidence, but not to the extent required for an authorized claim; must include a disclaimer.	Overlooks the qualifying language and misinterprets the claim as fully proven fact.	Read the entire claim, including the disclaimer. Do not take it as absolute truth.
Authorized Health Claim	"A healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D, and regular physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis".	Based on significant scientific agreement among experts.	Assumes a single product can prevent a disease, rather than the claim being part of an overall diet.	View the claim as part of a broader, healthy dietary pattern and lifestyle.
Structure/Function Claim	"Calcium builds strong bones".	Must state it has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.	Perceives the product as a cure for an ailment, ignoring the regulatory disclaimer.	Look for the required FDA disclaimer and consult a healthcare professional for treatment.

Conclusion

While food label claims are designed to help consumers, they require a critical eye to interpret accurately. The two examples discussed—"Low Fat" and "Made with Whole Grains"—demonstrate the difference between strict, regulated nutrient content claims and more loosely defined ingredient claims. To ensure truly healthy food choices, look beyond the marketing slogans. Make it a habit to scrutinize the Nutrition Facts panel, check the ingredients list, and understand the specific regulations behind different types of claims. This informed approach empowers consumers to make genuinely healthy decisions for themselves and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

A nutrient content claim describes the level of a nutrient in a food (e.g., 'Low Sodium'), while a health claim describes a relationship between a food substance and a disease or health-related condition (e.g., 'Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure').

No, the term 'natural' does not necessarily mean a product is healthy. It generally indicates that the product contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients, but the product could still be high in sugar, fat, or sodium.

You should check the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed by weight, so if a whole grain is listed as one of the first ingredients, it is a primary component. If a refined grain is listed first, the whole grain content is minimal.

The 'health halo effect' is when consumers perceive a food to be healthier than it is based on a single positive attribute, such as being 'low fat' or 'organic.' This can be misleading because these products may still be high in other unhealthy components like sugar or calories.

Not always. The term 'light' can mean a product has 50% less fat or one-third fewer calories, but it can also refer to the product's color, taste, or texture. The characteristic that makes the food 'light' must be stated on the label.

A 'good source of' claim means that a product contains at least 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for that specific vitamin or nutrient per serving. This is a regulated nutrient content claim.

Use the 'per 100g' or 'per 100ml' column on the Nutrition Information Panel to compare products directly, as serving sizes can vary between brands. Choose options lower in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, and higher in fiber.