What Those Colored Circles On Food Packaging Really Mean

What Those Colored Circles on Food Packaging Really Mean: Decoding the Symbols

Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a close look at the food packaging around you. You’ll likely notice a variety of colored circles, symbols, or marks scattered across labels—bright greens, reds, yellows, and even blues. But what do these colored circles really mean? Are they a clever marketing gimmick or do they serve a more significant purpose?

It turns out that those colored circles on food packaging aren’t just for decoration—they’re part of a system designed to help you make more informed choices about what you’re putting into your body. They can convey everything from nutritional information to certifications, sustainability practices, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what some of those colored circles mean and how they can help you understand the products you’re buying better.

1. Nutrition Information – The “Traffic Light” System

One of the most common uses of colored circles on food packaging is to indicate the nutritional content of a product using the “traffic light” system. This system uses green, amber (yellow), and red circles to give you an at-a-glance idea of the healthiness of a food item. While this system is more commonly seen in the UK and other European countries, it’s slowly making its way into international markets as well.

• Green Circle: Indicates that the food is low in things like fat, sugar, and salt. It’s considered a healthy choice.
• Amber Circle: Represents a moderate amount of fat, sugar, or salt. This means the food is okay to consume in moderation.
• Red Circle: Highlights that the food is high in fat, sugar, or salt and should be eaten sparingly.

This color-coded system helps you quickly compare products and make healthier choices while you’re shopping, especially when you’re trying to limit certain nutrients like sugar or sodium.

2. Organic Certifications

If you’ve ever noticed a green circle or symbol with the word “organic,” you’ve probably seen an organic certification mark. These circles are used to show that a product has been certified as organic by an official body, such as the USDA Organic seal in the United States or the EU Organic logo in Europe.

• USDA Organic Seal: Products that are labeled with this symbol meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s strict guidelines for organic farming, meaning they are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• EU Organic Logo: Similar to the USDA Organic seal, this logo guarantees that the food is grown in compliance with European Union organic farming standards.

Organic certification circles can provide peace of mind to consumers who prioritize natural and environmentally friendly food sources, ensuring that the products are grown with minimal chemical intervention.

3. Fair Trade Certification

If you’ve seen a circle with a Fair Trade logo, it means that the product has met specific ethical standards for production and trade. Fair Trade is an international movement that helps ensure farmers and workers in developing countries receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.

• Fair Trade Certified Circle: The Fair Trade logo on food packaging guarantees that the workers who helped produce the product received fair compensation and that sustainable, environmentally responsible practices were followed throughout the production process.

This symbol is especially common on products like coffee, chocolate, tea, and bananas, where farmers in developing countries are often involved. By choosing products with the Fair Trade circle, you’re helping support ethical practices and improving the lives of workers in the supply chain.

4. Non-GMO Labels

Another familiar circle that you may encounter is the Non-GMO Project Verified label. This is a certification that ensures the product doesn’t contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally.

• Non-GMO Project Verified Circle: If you see this symbol, it means the food was produced without the use of GMOs. This label is particularly important for consumers who are concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts of GMOs.

With the rising demand for non-GMO food, this symbol helps consumers make more informed choices about the types of products they purchase.

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends