Nutritional Value of Foods
Reading the Nutrition Facts Table
What it is
Nutritional value refers to the calories and certain nutrients in one serving of food. This information appears in the Nutrition Facts table on most packaged foods. The table shows, among other things, how much sodium (salt), sugar, fibre, and fat a certain food contains. Comparing nutritional values can help with making healthy food choices.
What you can do at home
Reading the Nutrition Facts table
- Find the Nutrition Facts table on the packaging.
- Check the serving size listed at the top of the table.
- Compare the listed serving size with the amount actually eaten.
- Check the number of calories.
- Check the percentage of the Daily Value.
- This shows how much of the recommended daily amount of each nutrient is provided by one serving.
Making healthier food choices
- The values in the Nutrition Facts table are based on the serving size indicated at the top.
- Choose foods that contain
- less fat, especially saturated and trans fats
- less sugar
- less sodium
- more fibre
When to seek medical attention
Difficulty following Canada’s Food Guide recommendations
Besoin d’aide?
Consult a registered dietician for personalized nutrition advice or to better understand nutritional needs.
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.