It's easy to grab a "Low Fat" or "Light" version of packaged food when it's sitting next to its plain-labeled counterpart, but it can be important to know that terms aimed at dieting and health are just as regulated by the FDA as terms like "organic" are when used on package-fronts.


By FDA definitions, "Low Fat" can mean there's up to 3 grams of fat per serving, while "Fat Free" can have 0.5 grams and still count. "Light" can mean a number of things, from the literal (the color of corn syrup) to the more concrete (50% the fat of plain-label)—but it can also be used to mean simply "less" calories, without any actual figures. "Low Calorie," on the other hand, must have 40 calories or less per serving, and "Fewer Calories" actually means the product must have at least 25% less calories.


One of the more interesting rules the FDA has in place for the term "Light" being used on package labeling has absolutely nothing to do with fat, sugar, or anything else. If a product "has been a long history of use of the term," then it can keep using it regardless of the nutritional content. It's definitely a good idea to take the time to read the label on the back of the package. Photo by SLGC.

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Definitions of Nutrient Content Claims | FDA via Freedieting