"Low" Foods

Many foods will make claims on the front of the box or container. At the grocery store, you may see many items that use the words, “free,” “low,” or “high.” But what do these claims really mean?

A food product can be labeled “Low” if the food can be eaten often without exceeding the recommended daily value for a given nutrient. This term is usually applied to fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium or calories. See examples below.

• Low saturated fat: 1 gram or less per serving
• Low fat: 3 grams or less per serving
• Low cholesterol: 20 milligrams or less total cholesterol and 2 grams or less saturated fat per serving
• Low sodium: 140 milligrams or less per serving
• Low calorie: 40 calories or less per serving

The "low" distinction may also be referred to as “little,” “few,” or “low source of.”