People want to make healthier food choices these days, so food manufacturing companies are trying to appease to the market by putting a “healthy” spin on their products. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always mean they are healthy. Companies will add things such as “made with real fruit” and “multi-grain” to their products as just another way to dress up refined flour and sugar. Don’t fall for it! Here are some labels for you to watch out for the next time you are at the store and looking to buy a product that is a bit more healthy.
Yogurt-Covered
Keep in mind, few yogurts today are even a health win because of all the added sugars, she added. It’s likely that even if the product is made with yogurt powder, it contains no calcium and only a negligible amount of protein.
Made with Real Fruit
This can mean any number of things, including that a food is made with fruit puree (often a lower-cost fruit such as apple, pear, or grape) or sweetened with fruit juices. But it doesn’t necessarily mean it contains the vitamins or fiber you’d find in actual fruits, Companies are selling fruit juice or puree, plus a lot of sugar.
Multigrain
“Multigrain” indicates, literally, that multiple grains were used in the product (there are other common labels that indicate the same thing, like “seven-grain”). But it does not necessarily mean whole grains. In fact, the multiple grains in the product may all be refined and stripped of their natural nutrients and fiber.
Whole Grain
While whole grains are a good place to start, a food “made with whole grains” may actually contain mostly refined flour, supplemented by a small amount of whole grain flour — one trick is to check which appears first on the ingredients list. The most honest labels are the ones that disclose the percentage of whole gains used.
With so many food companies trying to compete in this new healthy industry, it can be kind of hard to make sure you are truly getting something healthy. So be sure to always read the label and nutritional information and use your best judgment! You know your body better than anyone else.
Your Realtor and Friend for Life!
~Kathy
Healthy Living in Austin, Texas 