Hey mate! Peter here, your KaiWise guide to navigating the sometimes baffling world of food labels. Let’s face it, standing in the supermarket aisle and trying to figure out what’s really in your food can feel like cracking a secret code. That’s why I’m here to help you cut through the confusion and make healthier choices with confidence.
Let’s have a chat about some common terms on food packaging—what they say and what they really mean.
What’s in a Label?
Food companies are pretty clever at using labels to grab your attention. Words like “natural,” “low fat,” or “no added sugar” sound great, but often they’re just marketing spin. Many of us think we’re making healthier choices, only to realise later we’ve been duped by clever wording.
Common Food Label Terms Decoded
Here are a few buzzwords you’ll likely see on Kiwi and Aussie supermarket shelves—and what they really mean:
Natural
Sounds wholesome, doesn’t it? But here’s the kicker: in New Zealand and Australia, “natural” isn’t strictly regulated. A “natural” product could still contain processed ingredients or additives. Always check the ingredients list!
Low Fat
This one’s a bit cheeky. While the fat content might be lower, manufacturers often add sugar or salt to make up for the lost flavour. So, that “low fat” yoghurt might not be as healthy as it seems.
No Added Sugar
It’s true—there’s no extra sugar added during production. But the product might still be packed with natural sugars or sneaky artificial sweeteners. That “no added sugar” fruit juice? It could still have more sugar than you’d like.
Organic
Organic products are great for reducing chemical exposure, but they’re not a free pass to eat whatever you like. Organic chocolate is still a treat, not a staple!
Wholegrain
Just because it says “wholegrain” on the packet doesn’t mean it’s 100% wholegrain. Often, it’s just a fraction of the mix. Look for “wholegrain” at the top of the ingredients list, not buried somewhere at the end.
Here in Aotearoa and across the ditch in Australia, we’re lucky to have some strict labelling laws. But even with these protections, it pays to be vigilant. For example, labels like "light" or "lite" don’t always mean lower in calories—it could just refer to a lighter colour or texture. And keep an eye on those processed snacks marketed to kids—they might scream “healthy,” but they’re often packed with sugar and salt.
Real-Life Examples of Label Trickery
Let’s take a classic example: breakfast cereals. One brand might shout about being “high in fibre,” but if you flip the box around, you’ll often find it’s also “high in sugar.” Or take that “lite” salad dressing—it’s got fewer calories, sure, but might be swimming in artificial additives.
How KaiWise Makes it Easy
Here’s the good news: decoding food labels doesn’t have to be a full-time job. That’s where KaiWise comes in. With just a quick scan of a product’s barcode, you’ll get:
Traffic-Light Ratings:
Green for great, orange for okay in moderation, and red for a heads-up—this could be trouble.
Ingredient Breakdowns:
You’ll see exactly what’s inside, including those sneaky additives and hidden sugars.
Local Relevance:
Our database is tailored to NZ and Aussie products, so you’re not stuck with info that only applies overseas.
No more scratching your head in the supermarket. With KaiWise, you’ll save time, make better decisions, and feel great about what goes in your trolley.
My Takeaway
Reading food labels doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. The more you know, the easier it gets. By understanding these tricky terms and spotting misleading claims, you’ll be well on your way to better health. And once KaiWise launches, you’ll have me—and the app—by your side to make it even simpler.
So, next time you’re out shopping, take a closer look at those labels. You might be surprised by what you find. And when KaiWise lands, you’ll have a mate in your pocket to help you shop smarter, faster, and healthier.
Cheers to making informed choices and living your best, healthiest life!
Catch you soon,
Peter
