Front of pack labelling
Nutrition information on the front of pack
Although labels are changing, most packaged food and drink products will continue to show simple nutrition information on the front of pack which is provided voluntarily by manufacturers.
Front of pack nutrition labels will show either:
Energy
or
Energy | Fat | Saturates | Sugars | Salt
All of the front of pack information will be provided in grams (g) apart from energy which must now appear in ‘kilojoules’ (kJ) and ‘kilocalories’ (kcal). ‘Kilocalories’, or calories as they are often called, are what people refer to when they talk about energy intakes from food.
The front of pack information may also show what % of the Reference Intakes the food provides. In the picture above these are shown underneath the values (in grams) of the food.
Usually the nutrition information shown on the front of pack will be given in a portion or unit and this will be shown immediately next to the label e.g. ‘per ½ of a pizza’ or ‘per slice’.
Last reviewed: 22 Jul 2016
Top Tip
The front of pack information will always be in the same order (energy, fat,
saturates, sugars and salt) for any product in any shop – making it easier for
consumers to quickly compare at a glance.
Top Tip
Front of pack labelling can help inform choices by giving information about
some nutrients. However, it cannot be a substitute for individual advice on how
to achieve a healthy and balanced diet which might include, recommendations to
increase fruit and vegetable intake or eat more oily fish.