What Do You Look for on the Packet When You Buy Anything from the Market?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

A product's packaging can influence purchase decisions, with studies showing that packaging alone accounts for at least one-third of the consumer's decision. However, relying only on marketing can be risky, especially for health-conscious shoppers looking for product safety.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the information to check on product packaging, including ingredients and expiration dates, empowering shoppers to make informed choices.

Key Points

Check 'Use By' Dates: Prioritize safety by never consuming products past their 'use by' date, as this indicates a potential health risk.
Scrutinize the Ingredients List: Ingredients are listed by weight, with the most abundant ingredients first. This helps identify high-sugar or high-fat products.
Understand Nutrition Panels: Focus on serving size and percentage daily values to assess the health impact of fats, sugars, and sodium.
Inspect Packaging Integrity: Look for damage, leaks, or broken tamper-proof seals to ensure the product's safety and quality have not been compromised.
Verify Certifications: Trust is built through transparency. Check for certifications like organic, Fair Trade, or cruelty-free to align with your values.
Read All Warnings and Instructions: Especially for non-food items, safety warnings and usage instructions are critical for proper and safe use.

Deciphering Food and Beverage Packaging

For many shoppers, the food aisle is a maze of similar-looking products. Knowing how to read the fine print on a food packet is crucial for making healthy and safe choices.

Reading Dates: 'Use By' vs. 'Best Before'

Not all dates on a packet are created equal. Understanding the difference is vital for food safety and reducing waste. The 'use by' date is a strict safety deadline for highly perishable items like meat and dairy. Eating a product after this date could be harmful, even if it looks and smells fine. The 'best before' date, however, relates to quality, not safety. A product might be past its 'best before' date but still be safe to eat, though its texture, flavour, or nutritional value might have diminished. Always check the packaging for any specific storage instructions, as these can affect the product's shelf life.

Decoding the Nutrition Facts Panel

The nutrition facts panel is a goldmine of information, but it requires careful attention. Start by looking at the serving size, which is often smaller than what people typically consume. All other values, including calories, fat, and sugar, are based on this single serving. Pay close attention to the Percent Daily Value (%DV), which can help you understand if a food is high or low in a particular nutrient. For a healthier choice, opt for foods with lower values for saturated fat, trans fat, added sugars, and sodium.

Scrutinizing the Ingredients List

The ingredients list can reveal whether a product is a healthy choice or a heavily processed item masquerading as one. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few items make up the bulk of the product. Keep an eye out for hidden sugars, which can appear under different names such as corn syrup, dextrose, or fructose. Similarly, be aware of various names for fats, including hydrogenated vegetable oil and lard. A long list of unfamiliar chemicals and additives is often a sign of a highly processed product.

Allergen Information

For individuals with food allergies or sensitivities, checking the allergen information is a non-negotiable step. Major allergens like nuts, milk, soy, and wheat must be clearly highlighted on the ingredients list, often in bold, underlined, or a different colour. This is a legal requirement in many places and is critical for preventing serious health reactions.

Key Details on Non-Food Product Packaging

Beyond groceries, non-food items also have essential information on their packets that consumers should review.

Instructions, Warnings, and Manufacturer Details

For items like electronics, cosmetics, or cleaning supplies, the manufacturer's instructions for use and safety warnings are paramount. Improper use can lead to damage or injury. The packaging should also clearly state the manufacturer's name and address, which is important for any consumer queries or issues. Batch codes or serial numbers are also crucial for product traceability and recalls.

Certifications and Standards

Certifications and labels can signal that a product meets certain quality, safety, or ethical standards. Examples include CE marks on electronics, organic labels on textiles, or the Fair Trade Certified seal. These can guide you toward products that align with specific values, whether they are related to environmental impact or social responsibility.

Packaging Integrity and Materials

Before purchasing, a quick visual inspection can save you trouble later. Check for signs of tampering, such as broken seals, or damage like dents, tears, or leaks. For items where packaging can be reused or recycled, check for the relevant symbols. The type of packaging material can also indicate the brand's commitment to sustainability.

Comparison of Key Label Checks

To streamline your shopping, here is a quick comparison of what to prioritize when checking the labels of different product types.


Feature	Packaged Food Items	Non-Food Items (e.g., Cosmetics)
Dates	Check 'Use By' for safety; 'Best Before' for quality.	Check 'Period After Opening' (PAO) symbol.
Ingredients	Scan for unhealthy additives, high sugar, and fats.	Look for allergens and potential irritants for skin sensitivities.
Nutrition Info	Focus on %DV for fats, sugar, and sodium content.	N/A (not applicable).
Allergens	Check clearly highlighted list for major food allergens.	Check for common irritants or substances causing skin reactions.
Certifications	Look for organic, non-GMO, or specific diet-friendly seals.	Look for cruelty-free, vegan, or sustainability labels.
Usage Instructions	Check cooking or storage instructions.	Follow application or safety instructions precisely.
Manufacturer Details	Note for quality issues or recalls.	Note for customer service or product feedback.

Using Visuals to Your Advantage

Your eyes can tell you a lot before you even read the label. High-quality, robust packaging often signals a higher-quality product inside. Conversely, flimsy or damaged packaging can be a warning sign. The use of transparent packaging can also build trust by allowing you to see the product directly.

Conclusion: The Final Inspection

Becoming a smart shopper is a simple but powerful habit. By making a conscious effort to look for on the packet, you move from passively consuming to actively making informed, deliberate decisions. Prioritise checking for critical safety information like expiry dates, allergen warnings, and seals, then evaluate the product's quality and suitability based on ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and certifications. This final inspection ensures you are bringing home a product that meets your standards for safety, quality, and personal values. For more details on reading the FDA's Nutrition Facts label, you can review their official guide(https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label).

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'use by' date is for safety and is found on perishable foods that should not be eaten after that date. A 'best before' date is for quality, and the product may still be safe to eat after this date, but might not be at its peak quality.

Hidden sugars can be disguised under many names, such as corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maltose, and sucrose. Look for these terms, especially if they are high up on the ingredients list, indicating a high sugar content.

The serving size is the basis for all the nutritional values listed on the panel. Many products contain more than one serving, so you must multiply the values by the number of servings you consume to get an accurate intake amount.

You should not buy a product with damaged packaging, such as dents, leaks, or tears, even if it is on sale. Damaged packaging can compromise the product's safety and lead to contamination.

Recycling symbols on packaging indicate whether the material can be recycled and how to properly dispose of it. A Mobius loop symbol shows that the packaging is recyclable, while a number inside the loop identifies the specific type of plastic.

No, these terms can often be misleading marketing jargon. It is best to check the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to verify claims, as a 'low fat' product, for example, could be loaded with sugar.

While many sustainable brands use eco-friendly materials, it is important to research the brand further. Some brands may use a mix of materials, and some eco-friendly options might still be more resource-intensive than others.