Do you read ingredients labels?

Question

I'm curious how many people look at the ingredients labels of the foods they are buying, and if so - what are you looking for or trying to avoid? Do you use any tools to help you?

We're launching Trash Panda on Product Hunt soon - an app that makes reading ingredients labels easier, and want to make sure we're speaking to our audience in a way that clicks!

Ben Dalziel · Accepted Answer

all the time!
most recently on cat food 🐈

Adithyan Selvaraj · Answer

I do. Recently I found out that milk chocolate and dark chocolate have the same levels of sugar. That's why I consider reading labels important.

Rhea Reanoga · Answer

As a food tech, I usually check if a product contains artificial sugar then I head to check sodium, saturated and trans fat, and sugar content!

Answer

If you're like most people, you probably don't read the ingredients labels on your food very closely. In fact, a study by The grocery Insight found that only 25% of Americans actually look at ingredient labels when they shopped for groceries.
This is unfortunate given the fact that many harmful and unhealthy ingredients are hiding in those tiny text boxes. Some of the worst offenders include gluten, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives.
It's important to be aware of what's in your food so that you can make informed decisions about how to eat healthier overall.

Julia Putzeys · Answer

@kelly_kwawu thanks for sharing! I'm excited to check out the meal prep jar - I love a good Sunday meal prep.

Jonathan Nass · Answer

Totally, but when reading the ingredient list, it's mostly out of curiosity.

I definitely find myself reading the nutrition label more often — mainly looking to avoid too much sugar and saturated fats.

Neri Raanani · Answer

Yes, definitely. I always check the ingredients to avoid using animal products as a vegan. 🌱 I found it to be a really positive experience because ever since I turned vegan I have been much more aware of what I'm eating. Anyway, I'm really curious about how you will simplify the ingredients reading. :)

Philip Snyder · Answer

I'll usually just glance at sugars and sodium

Also looking at how many servings per container

Julia Putzeys · Answer

@jonathan_nass interesting, thanks for sharing! sugar is a big one for most people it seems

Ben Dalziel · Answer

@julia_putzeys I lean towards Canadian brands because the pet food standards are higher there. FirstMate is a good one my cats like

Julia Putzeys · Answer

@kkumarkg Totally! Our app Trash Panda aims to make that process easier, flagging certain ingredients with a barcode scan so you don't have to read them all 😅

Julia Putzeys · Answer

@neri_raanani that makes a lot of sense! Tuning in as a vegan can help you be more aware of where your food comes from, and what's really in it. Trash Panda flags certain ingredients as potentially harmful or questionable so you can be aware, read more about the health impacts, and make a more informed choice.

Krishna Kumar · Answer

Absolutely. Particularly for food items and first time purchases.
Finding them on the label and then reading the microscopic font on plastic or silver is indeed a pain.
End up using the magnifying lens app on the phone most of the time

Kelly · Answer

@julia_putzeys Sounds great, I will keep you updated, Julia!

Do you read ingredients labels?

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