Read labels and compare portions
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
Use serving size, nutrients, ingredients, and context to compare packaged foods accurately.
The label is a comparison tool; it does not know how much you need or what else is in the meal.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Start with serving size and servings per container, then scale calories and nutrients to the amount actually used.
- 2
Compare products on the nutrients relevant to your goal, such as fiber, added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, or protein.
- 3
Read the ingredient list for allergens and composition without assuming a shorter list is automatically healthier.
- 4
Place the product in the full meal and day rather than declaring it healthy or unhealthy in isolation.
See how it works.
Morgan compares three cereals using the bowl amount actually poured and chooses one with more fiber and less added sugar while keeping the preferred taste.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a side-by-side comparison of three similar foods using actual portions, relevant nutrients, ingredients, price, and intended use.
- Check this common mistake: Comparing the front-of-package claim on one product with the per-serving numbers on another.
- You can calculate what the eaten portion provides and explain which product fits a specific use without universal claims.
What to finish
A side-by-side comparison of three similar foods using actual portions, relevant nutrients, ingredients, price, and intended use.
Watch for this
Comparing the front-of-package claim on one product with the per-serving numbers on another.
How can I tell I understand it?
You can calculate what the eaten portion provides and explain which product fits a specific use without universal claims.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
You’ll get an explanation for each answer. Signed in? Your results save to your account.
Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.
Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
MyPlate
From U.S. Department of Agriculture. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Watch for an idea you can use in the practice below. You can pause or skip this optional overview.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
Tools and templates
Tools open in a new tab so you can keep your place here.
Sources and further reading
Explore the references behind this lesson.
Report a problem with this lesson
Tell us what went wrong. Please leave out personal information and private project contents.