Understanding nutrition labels

Checking the nutrition label is a good way to compare products, make healthier choices and eat a balanced diet. Look for information on colours, calories, daily allowances and portions - click here for the details, or find out more about each aspect of the labels in the separate sections below.

Colours

The red, amber and green colours show at a glance whether a product is high, medium or low for fat, saturates, sugars or salt.

Portions

Check the pack for the portion size, this is what the numbers on the nutrition label are based on.

Calories

To make the choice that is right for you, use the calorie information to compare products.

Daily allowance

The numbers on the label show how many calories and how much fat, saturates, sugars and salt a portion of food or drink contains.