NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS

These are words on the packaging that makes claims about a food's nutritional value, or its potential as an aid to weight loss. They can be a valuable shopping aid, as long as you know what they mean.

COMMON CLAIMS EXPLAINED

"Free"--

Calorie, fat or sodium free. The food contains an insignificant amount of calories, fat or sodium;

"Low"--

Low Calorie--no more than 40 calories per serving;
Low-fat"--no more than 3 g fat per serving;
Low-cholesterol"--no more than 20mg per serving;
Low-sodium"-no more than 140mg per serving.

"Reduced"

For example: reduced fat-free cheese. The food's nutrient (in this case) content is 25% lower than the regular version.

"Excellent source"
or "high source"

For example: "Excellent source of vitamin C." The food contains 20% or more of the Daily Value for a nutrient (in this case, vitamin c).

"Light"

The food contains 33% less calories or 50% less fat than the regular version. May also have 50% less sodium.

"Lean"

The seafood, meat, or poultry contains less than 10g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, and 95 mg cholesterol per 3-ounce serving.

"Extra Lean"

The seafood, meat, or poultry contains less than 5g total fat, 2g saturated fat, and 95mg cholesterol per 3-ounce serving