Six misleading food labels that are wrecking your weight-loss and health goals - from 'no cholesterol' to 'lightly sweetened'

Even the savviest shoppers can be deceived by some of the claims made on the front of food packages these days.

Nutritionists have now revealed six labels that they say are particularly deceiving and 'designed' to get consumers to pick up junk food — wrecking their weight loss plans.

Some of the labels — such as 'lightly sweetened' — can be made no matter how much sugar is in them. 'Made with real vegetables' can be applied to products with tiny amounts of veg powder in them.

And others — such as 'no cholesterol' — are deployed to give products a 'health halo' and encourage shoppers to pick them up, according to Nutritionists Dr Marion Nestle, from New York University, and Amy Keating, from Consumer Reports.

Nutritionists have now revealed six labels that they say are particularly deceiving and 'designed' to get consumers to pick up junk food (stock image) 

Made with real vegetables or fruit

Dr Nestle warns that when products use this label they often actually contain very little amounts of real fruit.

Packages that claim to contain 'real vegetables' may not contain many, nutritionists say

She warned shoppers to check the top five ingredients detailed on the back of the packet, which are the five in the largest amounts.

'The first few are the only ones that really count,' she said, 'and if the ingredient is below the first five, there's probably not much of it in the product.'

There are concerns that other ingredients in the product, such as added sugar, could lead to weight gain, derailing any dieting plans or health goals.

The nutritionist gave the example of Simply Lay's Veggie Poppables, which say on the package they are 'made with real vegetables'.

But a quick check of the ingredients list shows only spinach and tomato powders, which are listed as the 11th and 12th ingredients.

Another was Welch's Fruit Snacks, which states 'fruit is our first ingredient'.

Dr Nestle said this was true, but that the second and third ingredients — corn syrup and sugar — 'negated' the benefits.

Nutritionists warn the phrase 'lightly sweetened' is not regulated

Lightly sweet

This label is used on packages including cereals to suggest they contain less sugar and, therefore, may be more healthy.

But nutritionist Keating warned that as this was not an FDA-regulated phrase it effectively had no definition.

The FDA only regulates the terms 'sugar-free', 'reduced sugar' and 'no added sugars'.

She gave the example of Morning Cereal, which clearly states on the packaging that it has been 'lightly sweetened'.

But a check of the nutrition label quickly shows it contains 14 grams of added sugars — or nearly 50 percent more than a Krispy Kreme sugar donut.

'Slightly sweet' Gold Peak iced tea was similar, containing 16 grams of added sugars in 12 ounces.

Vegetable oils have appeared which proclaim they contain no cholesterol. But nutritionists say this is stating the obvious because cholesterol is only found in animal products

No cholesterol

This phrase has in recent years started to appear on vegetable oils alongside claims the product is better for heart health.

But the nutritionists pointed out that cholesterol is only found in animal products — not plant products.

They said: 'Seeing "no cholesterol" on a plant-based food is stating the obvious.

'But it's there to make you think it's healthier than a similar product that doesn't proclaim it.'

Vegetable oils are also high in some fats, which can contribute to weight gain which may worsen heart health.

The nutritionists gave examples of vegetable oil and peanut butter for products proclaiming they did not contain cholesterol.

About 12 percent of American adults — or 31million people — are estimated to have high cholesterol, which has been linked to obesity and an unhealthy diet.

Scientists say that high cholesterol raises the risk of complications including heart disease, strokes, diabetes and atherosclerosis — or narrowed arteries.

Cholesterol may cause this by building up in the walls of arteries and veins, reducing the space in the center through which blood flows. 

Scientists say gluten-free may not be healthier than standard bread

Gluten-free

Some people may buy gluten-free products, even if they don't have an intolerance, believing the foods are healthier.

But the nutritionists railed against this, saying that a 'gluten-free' product is often the unhealthier option.

They said these versions can be lower in fiber than whole-grain products, raising the risk of digestive issues and diabetes.

They can also contain more additives and be considered ultra-processed foods, which may raise the risk of serious conditions including heart disease.

About one percent of the US population is considered to be intolerant to gluten, or one in a hundred people. 

Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should take gluten.

Estimates suggest as many as 30 percent of all Americans avoid gluten, even though a tiny fraction of these have celiac disease.

Keto foods may not be healthier, nutritionists

Keto

With the rising popularity of the keto diet, a number of foods are now emerging saying they are for 'ketosis'.

But the nutritionists warned these are often ultra-processed — or contain industrial ingredients.

Dr Nestle said: 'Cereals, bars, or cookies that say "keto" on the package are often ultra-processed, a category of foods that are made with industrial ingredients.'

These don't contain calories, she said, but 'they are manufactured sweeteners, and questions have been raised about how safe they are'.

The keto diet is a high-fat and low-carbohydrate eating schedule to induce ketosis, or when the body primarily relies on fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Adherents claim it can boost blood sugar control and increase energy levels and weight loss, but it is not without risks — including potential damage to organs including the kidneys and the heart.

Uncured meats also still contain nitrites and nitrates, which have been linked to cancer

Uncured

A number of deli meats also carry claims that they are 'uncured' to promote the idea they are healthy.

Cured meats are those preserved with synthetic nitrates and nitrites, which studies have linked to a higher risk of some cancers.

But the nutritionists said all 'uncured' means is that meat was preserved with celery seed powder or another natural source of nitrates and nitrites — meaning someone was still exposed.

Keating said: 'Uncured meats aren't better for you because synthetic and natural nitrates and nitrites have the same effects on the body.'