Healthy Food Definitions

As you peruse the aisles of the grocery store in search of the healthiest options for you and your family you will see many packages with messages of “Excellent source of…”, “High in…”, “Low fat,” and more. Do you know what these statements really mean in terms of your health and improved nutrition? Some of these statements have been defined by the FDA and their use is regulated. Below are the terms and their definitions.

Good Source: Provides at least 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of a particular vitamin or nutrient per serving.

Reduced: 25% less of the specific nutrient or calories than the usual product.

Low Calories: Less than 40 calories per serving.

Fat Free/Sugar Free: Less than ½ gram of fat or sugar per serving.

Low Sodium: Less than 140 mg of salt per serving.

High in: Provides 20% or more of the Daily Value (DV) of a specific
nutrient per serving.

Light: 1/3 fewer calories or ½ the fat of the usual food.

Healthy: Decreased fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol and at least 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamins A, C, iron, protein, calcium, and fiber.

Lean (meat, poultry, and seafood): 10 grams of fat or less, 4 ½ grams of saturated fat and less than 95 mg cholesterol per 3 oz. serving.