The Grocery Guide...Misleading Labels Chapter 2 - Fruit

The Grocery Guide…Misleading Labels Chapter 2 – Fruit

I’m sure after last week you’re now used to checking the food packaging labels for WHOLE grain vs. Multi Grain…now let’s move on to FRUIT.  Did you know there are absolutely NO FDA requirements for the amount of whole fruit or what type of derivation of the whole fruit exists in a product? 

A drop of fruit juice in a food product, for instance, enables the manufacturer to claim “Made with Real Fruit!” Though this seems ridiculous, it’s true.  Fruit Extract qualifies, Fruit Juice qualifies…and a product containing more refined sugar than fruit qualifies as long as there’s a drop of fruit anything in the product. 

So once again, the label tells the tale.  You’re looking for the simple word “fruit”, or “apples” (or whatever fruit it’s supposed to contain) in the first 2 or 3 items on the label to ensure that the product is relatively wholesome.  You still have to check the sugar grams etc., but at least you know you’re getting a bit of fiber and nutrients if one of the first 3 ingredients on the label is “fruit” without any other parenthesis or disclaimer.  Since Lula’s for Lunch…and More! Catering ‘s ( www.lulasforlunch.com ) food is all scratch, you never have to worry about these issues when ordering – ALL of our ingredients are WHOLEsome.  Look for next week’s entry on LOW FAT and REDUCED FAT.