The printed labels on processed food products can be a useful source of information for consumers, an expert has said.
According to nutritionist Sara Stanner, writing in the Telegraph, food labels can be "very helpful" for those who are looking to adopt a healthy diet.
This, she said, is because they allow shoppers to compare the ingredients of different products, in particular how much salt they each contain.
"Although in general salt levels have reduced, there is a lack of consistency across the market," Ms Stanner commented.
She said this is particularly true in the case of packaged white bread, as some popular varieties contain much more salt than other similar items.
Ms Stanner advised shoppers who are keen to enjoy healthier options to look for products that have the lowest amount of saturates.
She acknowledged it is "impossible" to give people a full list of which processed foods can be classed as healthy or unhealthy.
However, Ms Stanner told shoppers that reading food labels can be a "good place to start".
This could be critical in helping to tackle the continuing obesity problem in the UK, which the NHS believes will become more prevalent in the coming years.
Denny Bros Ltd, 21 February 2012
