They Are Both Your Friend And Foe!
We look at nutrient labels for different reasons. But, whatever our reasons, everyone needs to know how to use this information more effectively and wisely. When it comes to beverage labels, we’re drinking more calories than ever, so it is even more important to understand not only the familiar components- calories, carbs and fats, but also deciphering the flavor descriptors for the beverage of choice.
A beverages flavor descriptor is a signal to what’s in the drink. Not all descriptions are approved by the FDA, so now you have to deal with fantasy descriptions such as pure flavoring and all natural flavors along with descriptions that are on point but still just as confusing- natural, artificial, natural and artificial for example! More on the subject of flavoring descriptions later in our article.
We look at nutrient statements for lots of different reasons. Whatever your reason, you need to know how to use this information more effectively and wisely. When it comes to beverage labels, we are all drinking more calories than ever, so it is even wiser for us to understand not only the familiar elements: calories, carbs and fats, but also deciphering the flavor descriptors for the beverage you choose.
Reviewing the facts panel next. Here are the nutrients you want to drink or eat less of (saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar) as well as those you want to get enough of (vitamins, minerals and fiber). A beverage or food that provides 5 percent or less of daily value is considered to be low in that nutrient, while a food is considered a good source of a nutrient if one serving provides 20 percent daily values-DV.
Looking at the serving size next. This is the first nutrient line on the label and the basis for all the numbers and percentages that follow. If you don’t check serving size, you could be drinking more calories than you realize. For example, a single serving of your favorite fruit juice is typically one cup, not two, so you’re normal drinking glass could be doubling your actual calorie intake, doubling the calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc. without you even realizing it.
Caloric Information is next in line. This tells us the number of calories in a typical serving size. Also included are the calories from carbs and fats. For instance, a 1-cup serving of your favorite beverage has 120 calories per cup and there are two servings per bottle, of which sixty about 50 % are from carbs. If you want to minimize carbs, you might select products with thirty% or less carbs.
The nutrient information comes next. This box lists what’s in the beverage, including any added nutrients, fats or sugars. Ingredients are listed in order by weight, from the largest to the smallest. So if you want to cut back on sodium or sugar, don’t choose a beverage or food product with sugar as the first ingredient. And don’t be tricked by different forms of fat and sugar listed with unfamiliar names. If you want to know how much sugar is really in a product, look for what we call the osis affliction. Words that end in “ose” -sucrose, dextrose, fructose – as well as more common synonyms: corn syrup, molasses and honey.
Learning what descriptors mean now: What does pure flavoring or all natural mean? What does “light”, “fat-free” and “low-sodium” really say? Here’s how the FDA defines these descriptions: low-saturated fat (1 gram or less per serving); low-sodium (140 milligrams or less); low-cholesterol (20 milligrams or less and 2 grams or less of saturated fat); low-calorie (40 calories or less). Light beverages and foods have 2/3 the calories of the regular product. Note: It is important to know that just because a beverage is low-fat or low-sugar that doesn’t mean low calories.
As far as the FDA claims, there are really only three approved flavoring descriptors, 4 if you include spices. Here’s a little review and some of the more common language out there: 1. Natural: essential oil, essence or extractive, distillate, or any product which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit, or fruit juice whose significant function is flavoring rather than nutritional. 2. Artificial: any substance used to impart flavor not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice. 3. Natural & Artificial: A blend of natural and artificial flavors.
So, when it comes to flavoring descriptors for the beverages you drink, you need to look further when a beverage claims pure flavoring. Look deeper at fruit juices. They taste great but are loaded with high fructose corn syrups, even though they are natural flavorings. Look for alternative beverages that allow you to get all the flavoring with none of the calories, carbs and fats.
One solution is to find bottled flavored water. There is a wide selection of products to choose from. Watch and choose flavored waters with zero calories. You can also make your own flavored water by cutting up fruit. Look for natural flavoring additives and concentrates with 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 fats is another inexpensive choice beverages high in calories. These new flavoring drops are quite different and new to the market and let you add flavoring to h20, teas, brews, even vodkas with zero extra calories.
When it comes to your weight and good health, searching for low cost alternatives to beverages is smart. Flavored water with natural flavoring concentrates could be end up becoming your perfect diet drink!
George Napoli is the publisher of the article and CEO of yumdropsflavoring.com. He knows all about nutrient labels, especially what to look for, where to look for it and the secrets when it comes to carbs and serving size. Learn more at www.yumdropsflavoring.com.
George Napoli CEO of Yum Drops Flavoring understands the inside secrets of nutrient labels. He has been researching what’s in nutrient label and has experience in developing labels for natural flavor drops for flavored water.
categories: Flavored water,flavor drops,flavor concentrates,weight loss,beverages for diabetics,nutrionists,diabetes,health fitness