Are your favorite food products telling the truth? Here's why moms should read the label
MANILA, Philippines — When it comes to groceries, most of us Filipinos, especially moms, have gotten used to the repetitiveness of our shopping routines—to the point that we don’t even think twice about what we put in our carts as we cross each aisle.
But the thing is, this attitude just won’t do. When we fail to look closely at the foods we buy, we could be missing out on other healthier options—with real ingredients and less artificial components, preservatives, and other chemicals. Worse, we could even be harming our families when we overlook some questionable ingredients of the food they eat.
With that said, here is a list of reasons why we should be more watchful of our shopping practices, and why it’s important to always double-check the ingredients at the back label.
1. It helps us fight sickness
Food-related diseases have become widespread the world over and we don’t need to fall victim to unhealthy diets, especially given today’s health crisis.
Knowing what ingredients are in your juices, for example, could help determine which ones can best complement your family’s everyday consumption. At the same time, it lets you avoid those with excesses of unnecessary ingredients and preservatives that could negatively affect their health.
2. Reveal untrustworthy brands
Do you tend to get carried away with flashy advertisements online, on the TV, or on giant billboards? You’re better than that!
“Sometimes, I tend to sacrifice the nutritional content for the taste and affordability. But with the current situation right now, I am leaning towards being a wiser shopper. Seeing some of the juice drinks we used to love and reading their labels and contents, I worry for my kids' health,” confesses Pehpot Pineda, mommy blogger over at Mommy Pehpot Blog.
With many products claiming to be healthy, it’s important to keep a level of suspicion. Sometimes, these instincts are right, especially when you finally get a hold of the product at the supermarket and confirm that there are more sugars and other artificial sweeteners than actual fruit juice in that health drink, for example.
3. Spot harmful chemicals
An important rule of thumb in checking the label is that the first five ingredients are the ones that make up the majority of the product’s food components.
Additionally, the longer the ingredient list is, the more highly processed the food is, as well as containing several food additives such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
“Right now, I am more choosy with the products and brands that I use. As much as possible I now stick to products and brands that are natural. If there's something difficult to read in the label or if there are too many artificial ingredients, I don't buy it. I stick to these natural products because health is our family's number one priority right now. We want something that would keep us healthy,” shares Peachy Adarne of The Peach Kitchen.
What’s more, developing the habit of reading the back label can even make you rethink sticking to your go-to brands.
The Mommy Movement: #PledgeToDoubleCheck
Always remember that the labels at the back are not just a requirement but also a legal responsibility for food companies, precisely because it helps us become more informed in making food choices at the supermarket.
When you think about it, it literally only takes five seconds to check the back label and investigate the ingredients. Take advantage of this now by breaking old shopping habits with the help of Dole’s All Natural Season Juice at it heralds the #PledgeToDoubleCheck movement.
So join the call to double-check the label for you and your family’s health and safety! And while you’re at it, encourage others to do the same.
“I #PledgeToDoubleCheck by reading the label of the juice product that I buy. I will break the habit of buying a product just because it's popular or it says healthy on the front label to make sure it contains only natural ingredients,” pledges mommy Peachy.
For her pledge, mommy Pehpot says, “I am Pehpot Pineda, mom of five kids, joining the movement to break the habit and read the label.”
Even celebrity moms underscore the importance of double checking the label of food items for the safety and health of their families. Joining this mommy movement are Jolina Magdangal Escueta and Neri Miranda.
Mommy Neri says, "Importante talaga na binabasa natin yung back label kasi bilang mga magulang, kailangan kilatisin nating yung mga pinapakain at pinapainom sa mga kids natin. Iniiwasan natin yung madaming sugar at artificial ingredients. Kumbaga, now is not a time to be careless but a time for educated and well-informed decisions for my family."
"Kaya naman mga mommies, samahan niyo ako sa #PledgeToDoubleCheck movement kasi naniniwala ako na checking the back label and ingredients ay makakatulong sa health and well-being ng ating pamilya!" mommy Jolina says.
Do your pledge to double-check. Post your pledge on Facebook or Instagram together with a photo of yourself reading the back label of products you’re buying at the grocery. Use the hashtag #PledgeToDoubleCheck and be part of this mommy movement.
