Decoding Nutrition Facts Labels

deceptive food labels

4:13

We don't generate video — this one is by CSUExtension on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

1. 1

   The serving size listed on a Nutrition Facts label is based on the amount of food someone is likely to eat at one time and is not a recommendation of how much to eat.

2. 2

   The percent daily values (%DV) tell you what percent of the daily amount of a nutrient is in one serving; aim for at least 20% DV for beneficial nutrients and no more than 5% DV for nutrients to limit.

3. 3

   The nine most common allergens that must be listed on an ingredients label are milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans, and sesame.

“Imagine you are trying to choose between two brands of granola bars for a snack. One bar has 200 calories, 3g of saturated fat (15% DV), 15g of sugar, 2g of fiber (8% DV), 50mg of calcium (4% DV), and 1mg of iron (6% DV). The other bar has 180 calories, 1g of saturated fat (5% DV), 8g of sugar, 4g of fiber (16% DV), 100mg of calcium (8% DV), and 2mg of iron (12% DV). Based on the nutrition facts labels, which granola bar would be a healthier choice for you and why? Explain your reasoning, referencing specific nutrients and daily values.”

Sample answer included in the free materials