Decoding food labels without the stress

Behind an often tempting package hides a label full of information. Knowing how to read it means taking back a bit of control over what goes on your plate, without turning paranoid about it.

What deserves your attention

Check the ingredient list: they're ordered from most to least present. If sugar shows up right at the top, the product contains a lot of it. Also watch out for complicated names that sometimes hide sugar under other labels.

The simple markers

Some countries use a colour system to rate a product at a glance. It's a handy marker, not an absolute rule. The point isn't to ban everything, but to know what you're choosing and how often.

If a specific diet or an allergy applies to you, talk to a health professional rather than relying on info floating around online.