Ingredients List: What’S In This?

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The most common ingredient is listed first, down to the least common ingredient.

Follow these easy steps to compare foods:

1. Look for a short list of ingredients. In general, better choices have fewer ingredients listed. Products with many ingredients often have more forms of sugar (including artificial sweeteners), artificial colors and dyes, and artificial starches/thickeners. These ingredients can add sugar and calories without adding nutrients. Learn more about these ingredients inPart 7of this guide.

2. Avoid ingredients that your body can’t tolerate. Food allergies are serious. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have a food allergy. You may also have an intolerance, such as to lactose in milk. Or, you may have a sensitivity, such as getting headaches after consuming artificial sweeteners.

3. Choose real foods. The first item listed should be a food you recognize. If you are buying pre-made turkey burgers, the first ingredient should be turkey. If you are buying a whole grain cereal, the first ingredient should be a whole grain, such as whole wheat or oats. The second ingredient may also be a large part of the food. This should also be a food you recognize.

4. Avoid added sugars. Avoid foods and drinks with sugar listed as one of the first 5 ingredients. Sugar can be listed in many forms. Be extra careful with ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, tomato sauce, salad dressings, and other foods you may not think of as “sweets.” Look for clues that sugar has been added.