Decoding Food Labels: What Really Matters for Indian Shoppers

In the modern Indian marketplace, where packaged and processed foods are increasingly common, understanding food labels has become crucial for making healthy and informed choices. Yet, many Indian consumers prioritize brand names or expiry dates over nutritional content. At Deeksha Diet Clinic, helping clients decode food labels empowers them to select foods that support their health goals effectively.

Why Food Labels Matter 

Food labels provide essential information on ingredients, nutrient content, shelf life, and safety,  mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Key details include: 

  1. List of ingredients to check for allergens or additives 
  2. Nutritional information such as calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, sugars, and salt 3. Date of manufacture and expiry or best-before date 
  3. Vegetarian (green dot) or non-vegetarian (brown dot) indicators 
  4. Fortification info, like added vitamins or minerals

 

Interpreting these labels helps consumers avoid hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium,  supporting prevention and management of diet-related diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and  heart disease prevalent in India. 

Tips for Indian Shoppers from Deeksha Diet Clinic 

  1. Scan the Ingredients: Avoid products listing trans fats, artificial colors, preservatives, or  excessive sugar and salt early in the ingredients list. 
  2. Check Serving Sizes: Compare the nutritional info per serving with how much you actually  consume. 
  3. Focus on Key Nutrients: Choose foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, and  sodium while high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
  4. Look for Fortification: Opt for fortified staples (salt, rice, flour, edible oils) to meet daily  nutrient requirements. 
  5. Be Wary of Health Claims: Terms like “low-fat,” “sugar-free,” or “natural” may be  misleading without reviewing the full label.
Success Stories and Clinic Support

At Deeksha Diet Clinic, we integrate label education into our nutrition counseling to build lifelong,  informed habits. Clients learn how to scrutinize labels aligned with their personal health needs whether managing diabetes, obesity, or improving general wellness. Our expert team explains  complex regulations in simple terms and encourages mindful shopping as a critical part of holistic  nutrition care. 

Empowered with label knowledge, Indian shoppers can make smarter food decisions contributing  to healthier families and communities. Deeksha Diet Clinic remains committed to providing up to-date, culturally relevant nutritional guidance to support such positive lifestyle shifts.

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