Deciphering the Traffic Light System: The Meaning of Orange
Understanding what does orange mean on food labels is crucial for making informed dietary choices. In several regions, most notably the UK and parts of the European Union, a voluntary 'traffic light' labeling system is used on the front of food packaging to provide an at-a-glance summary of a product's nutritional profile. The colors—green, amber (or orange), and red—indicate whether the food contains a low, medium, or high amount of key nutrients: fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt. While green is the most favorable and red is a cautionary signal, orange occupies the middle ground.
The 'Amber' Standard: Defining Medium Nutrient Levels
When you see an orange (or amber) light on a food label, it means the product contains a medium level of the specified nutrient. The exact thresholds for what constitutes low, medium, and high are based on specific guidelines, usually defined per 100 grams or 100 milliliters of the product. An orange rating is a signal that while the food isn't excessively high in that nutrient, it's also not a 'free pass' to be consumed in unlimited quantities. For a balanced diet, foods with a majority of orange labels are considered acceptable to eat most of the time.
How Nutrients are Rated (per 100g):
- Fat: A product is orange if it has more than 3g but no more than 17.5g of fat.
- Saturated Fat: An orange rating is given for saturated fat levels between 1.5g and 5g.
- Sugars: For total sugars, the orange range is more than 5g but no more than 22.5g.
- Salt: A food is marked orange for salt content between 0.3g and 1.5g.
Context is Key: The Noom System
It is important to remember that not all color-coding systems are the same. For instance, the popular weight loss app, Noom, uses its own unique color system, and here the meaning is different. In the Noom system, foods are categorized based on their calorie density.
- Green Foods: Least calorie-dense.
- Yellow Foods: More calories per serving than green foods.
- Orange Foods: Most calorie-dense and/or least healthy nutrients, meant to be eaten less frequently and in smaller portions.
This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding the specific system you are referencing. While the traffic light system focuses on specific nutrients, Noom's approach is based on overall calorie density, showing that 'orange' doesn't always have a single, universal meaning.
Comparison of Labeling Systems
| Feature | UK Traffic Light System (Orange) | Noom App System (Orange) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating Basis | Specific nutrient content (fat, sugar, salt) per 100g/ml. | Overall calorie density. |
| Intake Guidance | Moderate consumption; eat most of the time but not as freely as 'green' foods. | Limited consumption; eat less often and in smaller portions. |
| Interpretation | Represents an 'average' choice nutritionally, neither very high nor very low in the nutrient shown. | Represents the most calorie-dense foods, which may or may not be nutrient-poor. |
| Primary Use | Voluntary front-of-pack labeling on food products sold at retail. | Categorization within the Noom weight loss and wellness program. |
Beyond the Colors: Reading the Fine Print
While color-coded labels offer a quick guide, they are not a substitute for reading the full nutritional information panel. The traffic light colors are based on a per 100g or 100ml basis, which might not reflect the actual portion size you consume. A product could have mostly green and orange lights but still be high in calories if the portion size is large. The ingredients list, which is ordered by weight, is also essential for understanding a product's composition. For example, a fruit juice may have a high sugar count due to naturally occurring sugars, which will be detailed in the nutritional information, even if it carries an orange label. By combining the quick color guide with a detailed review of the full panel, you can gain a much more accurate understanding of a product's healthfulness.
Conclusion
In summary, the meaning of orange on food labels depends on the system in use. In the UK's traffic light system, orange signifies a medium level of fat, saturated fat, sugars, or salt, suggesting moderation is appropriate. This is distinct from the Noom app's system, where orange indicates the most calorie-dense foods. Regardless of the system, color-coded labels are a useful tool for quick comparisons. However, for a complete nutritional picture, consumers should always consult the full nutrition information panel and ingredients list. Understanding the nuances of these labels empowers you to make informed decisions and better manage your overall dietary health. For more detailed information, consult authoritative sources like the NHS guidelines on food labels.
