Learn How to Read Food Labels

Food labels are supposed to inform, protect, and empower consumers. Even though the law prohibits misleading food labels, consumers still find some labels to be confusing. By better understanding how to read food labels, you can take charge of your food purchasing decisions.

Explore Labels

What is Food labeling?

Under the law, food labeling is more than just the label attached to a food product. Learn how labels are regulated and the roles of the FDA and USDA.

Food Label Basics

Explore Food Labels and Food Groups

From "organic" to "grass fed" to various health claims, we break down the common terms you’ll find when reading food labels.

Understanding Food Labels

Food labeling laws are also changing quickly. A new industry around plant-based proteins and cultured meats is booming, raising questions around the legal definitions of milk and meat. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced a new proposed definition of the term “natural” but has yet to finalize it. States are stepping forward to address confusion and address food waste by banning “best buy” and “sell by” claims as false and misleading.

Visit our Issue Briefs page to stay up-to-date on these recent developments and delve more deeply into hot topics in food labeling law and policy.

Start Reading Food Labels