The labels are calling you; the packages on the grocery store
shelves shouting, “Low in fat!” and “No sugar added!” But
experts say that these can often be deceptive. “If a product has
to try to convince you that it’s good for you, it’s probably
not,” says Yoni Freedhoff, an assistant professor of family
medicine at the University of Ottawa. “Broccoli doesn’t need a
label.” Health Canada has minimum nutritional standards for
certain phrases, but even those may not tell the whole story.
Here’s what you need to know about common health claims: Low in
fat This label is often found on cookies, ice creams and other
treats. What you need to know: According to Health Canada, “low
fat” means that there is no more than three grams of fat in the
amount of food specified in the product’s nutrition facts table.
Keep in mind that fat, along with sugar and sodium, is what
gives food flavour and texture. If the item is low in fat, it
may be high in the other two. “If it tastes good and it’s called
low-fat, you are in troubl