6 Common Labels on Food Products and How to Read Them

6 Common Labels on Food Products and How to Read Them

by | Oct 1, 2021 | Health & Wellness

Every packaged food item comes with a food label, giving different information about the food. Common food labels provide information on what you need to know about that food item. It is important to scan through the food labels on food products to equip yourself with what makes up the food. Furthermore, you could also learn about the production date and whether the food is certified or not.

Common Label on Food Products

1. Nutritional Facts

This is a block of information that gives the most detail about the food item. In summary, it tells you all you need to know about the food’s benefits. This section is divided into three categories:

Serving Facts

This tells you the amount of the stated serving that is available in any food item. It is NOT a recommendation of how much food you should eat. This information is given either in grams, units, etc. 

Calories

If you are counting your calories for weight gain or loss, this piece of information is vital for you. The stated amount is the number of calories you would get from each serving about.

For instance, if the label says 230 calories per serving of 1 cup and you consume two cups, then 230 x 2 = 460 calories. 460 calories is the total amount of calories consumed.

Nutrients

This table will show you all the nutrients or some prime nutrients present or absent in that food item. The company may give the figure in microgram (mg) or grams (g). This section is, in fact, vital if you have a deficiency of a nutrient or you are avoiding one.

Do know that each value given is for one serving of the food if you are eating more than one servings them multiply as I did above. Some of the nutrients commonly given are fat, sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, fiber, etc.

Recommended Daily Value (RDV):

Companies express this piece of information in percentage. It is telling you how much of the servings of that food contribute to your recommended daily diet.

Ensure to compare these details with other food you will eat during the day to get enough nutrients.

2. Ingredients

When you look at this section, you see every raw material used to make the food item. It also contains information on the preservative, additive, food colour, etc.

This section will also show you possible allergens. Companies write allergen in bold letters or bright colours. Make sure you check the ingredients of the food item you buy if you are allergic to some raw material, or if you are staying away from preservatives present in food.

3. Dates

This section contains Manufacture Date, Expiry Date, Best Before Dates, etc. These dates tell you the production and expiry period of your food.

Learn more on the difference between the dates and what you should do when your food exceeds its best before date.

4. Manufacturer Details

This will include the name of the manufacturing company, address, and contact details. It also includes details like production license, marketer details, etc.

5. Certification

All food products must come with a certification of some sort for authentication. The most common certification in Nigeria is NAFDAC. Make sure the food item you are buying is NAFDAC-certified to guarantee safety and quality, and a Halal certificate to confirm that the food item is permissible for consumption for Muslims.

Some other certifications include MAN, Organic Certification, Vegan or Vegetarian Certification, Animal Cruelty-free Certification, etc. If you follow a type of diet, make sure to check the labels to confirm the authentication from certifying bodies for that diet.

6. Others

These are details that do not fit into any section. For example, the total weight of the food item, cooking instructions, storage advice, etc.

Conclusion

Labels on food products are attached to food items for a reason. Make sure you read and comprehend them for your safety and those around you.

This Is How You Can Become A Freelancer from the Comfort of Your Home

This Is How You Can Become A Freelancer from the Comfort of Your Home

by | May 18, 2021 | Business & Finance

It’s a beautiful thing to string words into meaningful statements and watch readers feel everyone that you write. It’s only fair that you want to get paid while being awesome at that art and hobby. I am very sure you are reading this because you have questions on how to start freelance writing. You are in the right place and I have tips for you.

How do you get started? Where do you find gigs? What does it mean to be a freelance writer?

Freelance writing is a flexible and interesting side hustle – it is fast becoming a major hustle now though. A freelance writer is a self-employed writer who writes at the comfort of their home.

A Step by Step Guide on How to Become a Freelance Writer

1. Find Your Niche

The fastest way to finding your niche is writing, writing again, and writing. The more you write, the more you find out what kind of things your mind likes to weave into words, and the more you find that space that you own and fully build on it.

For some, it is a trial and error stage and for others, it is a broadway street. Also, your niche doesn’t mean you only write about one thing. You could be a writer with two or more areas of specialization.

Either way, find your niche(s)

2. Create a Portfolio

A portfolio is simply a compilation of your writing(s) all in one space or place. It shows your range as a writer and also points out your organizational skill – which is a skill that every writer should own. Mostly, potential clients want to see samples of your writings so they see how and what you write. It is the access into your writing world. Therefore, it will be a brilliant idea to have it well-arranged.

You can have a portfolio by building a free website like WordPress or Blogspot or check for other ways to do this online.

3. Build Your Social Media Presence

In all honestly, your first job might be from social media. I got mine from social media. It is clearly stated on my social media handles that I am a freelance writer and open to work. Build your social media bio, your employers will find you.

You don’t have to become a social media influencer, but you can engage content online and show your way with words in every post you make. It attracts attention.

4. Create Your Resume

This is what outlines your expertise, experience, and skills as a writer. Prospective clients should see this and want to work with you straight up. Make it as tidy, organized, and professional as it can be.

Learn how to make a world-class CV.

5. Build Your Certification

I got my first writing job without a certificate. Recently, I did online courses and got certified. It boosted my resume and opened up more quality and well-paying opportunities.

After a portfolio, take online courses that will enhance your knowledge of the niche that you’ve chosen for yourself. It shows that you know what you are doing and you are professional about it.

You would want your potential clients to see this.

6. Sign Up on Freelance Sites

You have mastered your art and you have samples to show for it. The next thing to do is to sign up to freelance sites to start getting jobs and offers. Freelance platforms help to connect freelance writers with potential gigs.

Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Guru, Freelancer, and many others are examples of freelance websites you can sign up with.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to start freelance writing, happy freelancing.

Do tell me in the comments section if you e