We study nutrient labels for many reasons. But, whatever our choices, we all needs to understand how to use this information smarter. When it comes to a sodas label, we’re consuming more calories than ever, so it is even more critical to know not only the familiar components- calories, carbs and fats, but also understanding the flavor descriptions for the beverage of choice.

A drinks flavor description is a sign to what is in the beverage. Not all descriptors are OK by the FDA, so now you have to live with fantasy descriptions such as pure flavoring and all natural flavors along with descriptions that are more accurate but still just as hard to understand- natural, artificial, natural and artificial. More about flavoring descriptions later in the story.

We look at nutrient statements for lots of different reasons. Whatever your reason, you need to know how to use this information more effectively and wisely. When it comes to beverage labels, we are all drinking more calories than ever, so it is even wiser for us to understand not only the familiar elements: calories, carbs and fats, but also deciphering the flavor descriptors for the beverage you choose.

Understanding the nutritional facts panel now. Here are the nutrients you want to drink or eat less of (saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar) as well as those you want to get enough of (vitamins, minerals and fiber). A beverage or food that provides 5 percent or less of daily value is considered to be low in that nutrient, while a food is considered a good source of a nutrient if one serving provides 20 percent DV.

Looking at the serving size next. This is the first nutrient line on the label and the basis for all the numbers and percentages that follow. If you don’t check serving size, you could be drinking more calories than you realize. For example, a single serving of your favorite fruit juice is typically one cup, not two, so you’re normal drinking glass could be doubling your actual calorie intake, doubling the calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc. without you even realizing it.

Caloric Information is next in line. This tells us the number of calories in a typical serving size. Also included are the calories from carbs and fats. For instance, a 1-cup serving of your favorite beverage has 120 calories per cup and there are two servings per bottle, of which sixty about 50 % are from carbs. If you want to minimize carbs, you might select products with thirty% or less carbs.

Learning about nutrients is next. This area contains what’s in the drink, plus any added nutrients, fats or sugars. Ingredients are in order by weight, from the highest to lowest numbers. So if you want to cut back on sodium or sugar, don’t choose a beverage or food product with sugar as the 1st ingredient. And don’t be fooled by different forms of fat and sugar listed with names you dont understand. If you want to learn how much sugar is really in a beverage, look for what we call the osis words that end in “ose” -sucrose, dextrose, fructose – as well as more common descriptions: corn syrup, molasses and honey.

Learning what descriptors mean now: What does pure flavoring or all natural mean? What does “light”, “fat-free” and “low-sodium” really say? Here’s how the FDA defines these descriptions: low-saturated fat (1 gram or less per serving); low-sodium (140 milligrams or less); low-cholesterol (20 milligrams or less and 2 grams or less of saturated fat); low-calorie (40 calories or less). Light beverages and foods have 2/3 the calories of the regular product. Note: It is important to know that just because a beverage is low-fat or low-sugar that doesnt mean low calories.

As far as the FDA claims, there are really only three approved flavoring descriptors, 4 if you include spices. Here’s a little review and some of the more common language out there: 1. Natural: essential oil, essence or extractive, distillate, or any product which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit, or fruit juice whose significant function is flavoring rather than nutritional. 2. Artificial: any substance used to impart flavor not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice. 3. Natural & Artificial: A blend of natural and artificial flavors.

As far as flavor descriptions for the drinks you consume, you need to see past things when a beverages label says pure flavoring. Look further at sodas. They taste great but are loaded with high fructose corn syrups, even though they are natural products. Review alternative beverages that lets us to get all the taste and flavoring with 0 calories, carbs and fats.

One solution is to find bottled flavored water. There is a wide selection of products to choose from. Watch and choose flavored waters with zero calories. You can also make your own flavored water by cutting up fruit. Look for natural flavoring additives and concentrates with 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 fats is another inexpensive choice beverages high in calories. These new flavoring drops are quite different and new to the market and let you add flavoring to h20, teas, brews, even vodkas with zero extra calories.

When it comes to your weight and good health, searching for low cost alternatives to beverages makes good sense. Flavored water with natural flavoring concentrates could end up becoming your perfect diet drink!