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What’s really in our food? A guide to reading food labels

At first glance, food labels and insurance might seem unrelated. But they both come back to the same thing: being proactive about your health. When it comes to wellbeing, it’s often the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.

One of the easiest places to start is simply becoming more aware of what’s in the food you’re buying.Food labels can seem confusing, but they’re there to give you a clearer picture, if you know where to look.

Packaging and marketing can be persuasive, but they don’t always tell the full story. Taking a quick look at the nutrition panel and ingredients list can help you make more informed choices that align with your lifestyle.

A few simple things to keep in mind

Without getting too technical, here are some general pointers:

Compare products consistently – using the same reference point (like per 100g) can make it easier
Be aware of ingredients – they’re listed in order of quantity
Look beyond front-of-pack claims – these don’t always reflect the full picture
Keep it simple – sometimes fewer ingredients can be a helpful guide.

Use tools to make it easier

If you’re short on time, there are apps available that let you scan products and get a quick overview – helping you make more informed choices on the go. Apps such as KaiWise allow you to 

  • Scan barcodes in-store
  • Get simplified nutrition ratings
  • Compare products quickly

Learn more – on this topic with Chubb Insurance 

Disclaimer: This article is for general wellbeing information only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. For personalised guidance, please speak with a qualified health professional.

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