A clinical dietitian in Australia, Jessica Burvill, recently shared a valuable tip for grocery shoppers. While it’s natural to look for the best prices or the right nutritional content, Jessica emphasizes the importance of checking the ingredients list. This small step can make a big difference in understanding what you’re actually eating.
For example, she compared two cans of tuna at Woolworths. One can cost only $1.85 more but contained 78% tuna. The cheaper option? It had only 38% tuna. She explained, “Often, the more whole foods in a product, the fewer fillers like oils or additives.”
Jessica also highlighted specific products. The Sirena Lemon and Pepper Tuna offers 150 calories per 95-gram can with 16 grams of protein. On the other hand, a home brand version has 121 calories, 15.5 grams of protein, but only includes 58% tuna. The rest is made up of water and various additives.
These comparisons show that being mindful of what you buy can lead to better nutritional quality. For instance, a can of Ayam Coconut Milk, priced at $5, contains 89% coconut extract, whereas a cheaper alternative only has 19%. Similarly, premium brands like Mutti offer high percentages of tomatoes (99.8%) compared to budget brands (60%).
However, Jessica points out that it’s not just about the hero ingredient percentages. Factors like individual dietary needs and goals matter too. She advises shoppers to look at both the ingredients and the nutritional panel. Sometimes, a product with a lower percentage of the key ingredient might still be nutritious because of other beneficial ingredients.
Interestingly, a recent study shows that 76% of consumers are increasingly aware of ingredient quality when shopping. This awareness is reshaping the food industry, with brands focusing on transparency and higher-quality ingredients.
While understanding labels can seem daunting, it’s a worthwhile effort. For someone aiming to reduce calories, a lighter coconut milk could be the better choice, even if it has a lower percentage of coconut.
At the end of the day, budget plays a significant role in what individuals can purchase. Jessica suggests picking the best quality products within your budget and complementing meals with extra vegetables, whole grains, or legumes for added nutrition.
Being informed about what goes into your food can lead to healthier choices at the supermarket. For more insights on food quality, you can check Yahoo Lifestyle.
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Yahoo Lifestyle, Woolworths, Jessica Burvill, clinical dietitian
