Reading Food Labels: Fact or Fiction
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Reading Food Labels: Fact or Fiction
Year 7 Health Education Understanding nutrition information Making informed food choices
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria
We are learning to: Read and interpret nutrition information panels We are learning to: Identify misleading marketing claims on food packaging We are learning to: Make informed decisions about food choices I can: Explain what information is found on food labels I can: Compare nutritional values between different products I can: Identify when food marketing might be misleading
Key Vocabulary
Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) - standardised table showing nutrients per serve Ingredients list - all components listed in order of quantity Health claims - statements about nutritional benefits Serving size - recommended portion amount Daily intake - percentage of recommended daily nutrients Marketing claims - promotional statements on packaging
Hook Activity: Label Detective (5 minutes)
Examine the food packages on your table Find THREE different health claims or marketing statements Write them down - are they facts or just clever marketing? Discuss with your partner: What made you choose these claims?
Understanding Nutrition Information Panels
Located on back or side of packaging Shows nutrients per serve AND per 100g Includes energy (kilojoules), protein, fat, carbohydrates, sodium Compare products using 'per 100g' column Look for saturated fat, sugars, and sodium levels Daily intake percentages help gauge nutritional value
Textbook Activity 1: Comparing Aussie BBQ Chips vs Splitter Fruit Bars
Use the nutrition panels provided in your textbook Compare energy, fat, sugar and sodium content Which product is healthier? Justify your answer Consider: What health conditions might be affected by regular consumption? Time: 10 minutes
Support Activity: Reading Labels Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check the serving size - is it realistic? Step 2: Look at energy per serve - how much of daily intake? Step 3: Check fat content - especially saturated fat Step 4: Examine sugar and sodium levels Step 5: Read ingredients list - what's the first ingredient? Step 6: Question any health claims on the front
Textbook Activity 2: Investigating Marketing Claims
Examine food packages for marketing claims like 'natural', 'healthy', 'low fat' Research what these terms actually mean legally Find examples where the claim might be misleading Create a 'Fact or Fiction' chart for your findings Time: 15 minutes
Group Discussion: Real-World Scenarios
{"left":"Scenario 1: Your friend says fruit juice is always healthier than soft drink. Is this true?\nScenario 2: A cereal claims to be 'part of a balanced breakfast'. What does this really mean?\nScenario 3: A snack bar says it's 'made with real fruit'. Does this make it healthy?","right":"Discuss each scenario with your group\nUse nutrition knowledge to evaluate these claims\nPrepare to share your conclusions with the class"}
Class Synthesis: What We've Discovered
Food labels contain important nutritional information Marketing claims can be misleading or meaningless Serving sizes are often unrealistic Compare products using 'per 100g' values Ingredients are listed by quantity (highest first) Health conditions can be affected by poor food choices
Reflection and Exit Ticket
Think about your own eating habits Name ONE food you eat regularly that you'll now read the label for What is ONE thing that surprised you about food labels today? How will you use this knowledge when shopping or choosing snacks? Write your answers on the exit ticket before leaving
Teacher Information and Differentiation
Extension: Research Health Star Rating system Support: Provide simplified label reading checklist EAL/D: Use visual guides and translated key terms Assessment: Observe student discussions and exit tickets Safety: Be aware of food allergies when using real packages Follow-up: Plan healthy eating choices lesson