Overcoming the Nutrition Minefield in 5 Simple Steps
Lesson 3 Learning Objectives
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Lesson 3: Food Advertising
 The food industry can use a variety of words to describe their products and below are a few.
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Fresh |
Differentiates food or produce that is sold within short time after production or harvesting |
|
Natural |
A product comprised of natural ingredients i.e produced by nature, not by the work of man or interfered with by man |
|
Pure |
Is commonly used on single ingredient foods to indicate or highlight the quality of ingredients of a food |
|
Traditional |
A product or method of preparation that has remained the same for a significant period of time in the presence of newer alternatives, methods or products on the market |
|
Original |
Is used to indicate that the product was first of it’s type to be placed on the market, where the original form and flavour has remained relatively unchanged for a period of time |
|
Authentic/Real/Genuine |
When a product has remained unchanged for a period of time or that it originates from the area implied by its name. |
|
Home Made |
Should be products that are made/prepared in the home or domestic manufacture, made using traditional methods rather than mass produced. |
Your key aim is not to buy into these words as the truth, as they are layers of ambiguity in the definitions. If you’re buying a traditional product, look up it’s method of production as this will help you understand its quality. If you buying a Home-made product, look up where they are made and does this fit with how it’s marketed on the label?
|
Term  |
Definition |
|
Light/Low/High/Reduced |
There are no minimum/no specific guidelines for these terms but the should not mislead the consumer. This can’t relate to reduced sugar, alcohol or salt compared to the original product and is sometimes used to describe the colour or texture of the product. |
|
Low Fat |
It must be a least 25% lower in fat |
|
Low Calorie |
Must have lower calories than the original but has no set value |
|
Sugar Free |
Sugar has not been added but in the majority an artificial sweetener has been added for taste |
To best understand the quality and healthfulness of the food you’re buying look to the ingredients list and nutritional information, as this gives you the most honest view of the food. Marketing terminology like this wants to think it’s better than it is.
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