Understand Your Food Terms

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on January 22, 2014

“Low-fat, Sugar-free, Organic, Natural”

   Sound familiar? But what do they actually mean?

Written by Alexis D’Ascenzo, Dietetic Student at University of Illinois at Chicago, CPT

1. Low-fat: This term can be used on foods that can be eaten often and you still won’t get more than the recommended amount of that nutrient. “Low-fat” means 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

Example: Low-fat yogurt

2. Sugar-free: This term means that a product does not have any of that nutrient, or so little that it’s unlikely to make any difference to your body.  “Sugar-free” means less than 0.5 grams per serving.

Example: Sugar-free popsicles

 3. Organic: The USDA states “organic” should apply to foods without the use of conventional  pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, or genetic engineering. Example: Organic carrots

4. Natural: There is no standard definition, however the FDA states that “natural” should apply to foods that do not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. Example: 100% Natural chicken broth

Happy Shopping! 

Additional terminology sources can be found at diabetes.org and cancer.org