Most of us shop by looking at the nutrition list but did you know there are healthier choice labels that can make your grocery shopping process easier? Read on to find out more.
1. Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF)
Product endorsements by the SHF means the item is low in sodium, sugar and fat and has beneficial nutrients to promote heart health. Such items that are beneficial to the heart include fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, lean meat and plant-based protein. Whole grains are also part of a good diet as they provide dietary fibre to lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent constipation.
2. Nutri-Grade label
Slated to be rolled out at the end of 2021, it will be compulsory for pre-packaged non-alcoholic drinks that have high sugar or saturated fat content to have a nutritional grade. The beverages will be ranked according to their sugar and fat content per 100 milliliters with A being the healthiest and D being the unhealthiest. ‘A’ grade will be dark green with less than 0.7% saturated fat, 0-1% sugar and no sweetener. ‘A’ drinks include water, skimmed milk or unsweetened tea. ‘B’ grade will be light green with less than 1.2% saturated fat and more than 1% up to 5% sugar. ‘B’ drinks include diet drinks, low fat milk or low sugar 3-in-1s. ‘C’ grade will be orange with less than 2.8% of saturated fat and more than 5% up to 10% sugar. ‘C’ drinks include flavoured milk, full fat milk and isotonic drinks. ‘D’ grade will be red with more than 2.8% saturated fat and more than 10% sugar. ‘D’ drinks include energy drinks, juices and soft drinks. If only one of the sugar or fat content fits the grade category and the other is too high, the rating will be downgraded.
3. Healthier Choice Symbol
The Health Promotion Board’s healthier choice symbol is red in colour: a circle with a segmented pyramid in the center and the nutritional benefit in black at the top of the circle. They include “trans fat free”, “lower in saturated fat”, “lower in sodium”, “lower in sugar”, “higher in calcium”, “higher in whole-grain”, “no added sugar” and “no added sodium”.
Shopping with these logos in mind is a convenient way to ensure you eliminate excess amounts of bad nutrients from your household pantry.