Confused by the front of a food package? We break down how to flip it over and read the label like a pro — what to check first, which claims to ignore, and how to spot misleading marketing in seconds.

We get similar questions from shoppers standing in the same aisle, staring at the same ingredient list. Here are direct answers to the ones we hear most. Getting Started What is Safe Food Signals? Safe Food Signals helps parents decode confusing food labels. We publish free content and a library of 26 digital guides that break down specific product categories, such as cereal, snacks, and bread, so shoppers can evaluate a package in seconds instead of researching every ingredi

To read a cereal label correctly, flip the box over and ignore the front. Here’s exactly what to look for — serving size, sugar names, the whole grain rule, and fiber — so you can evaluate any box in under 60 seconds.

The ingredients list is the most honest part of any package. Here's our 4-step checklist for reading it in under a minute, plus 5 label terms worth knowing.

Added sugar goes by more than 50 different names on ingredient labels. Here's how we spot every one of them — plus a printable cheat sheet to keep handy while you shop.

You are standing in the snack aisle. Your child wants the one with the cartoon character. You flip it over and stare at the ingredient list. Forty-three ingredients. Half of them unpronounceable. You put it back. But the next one looks almost identical. And the one after that. Most parents know they should read snack labels. Very few know exactly what to look for. This guide fixes that in four minutes. Here are the five things worth checking on any kids snack label — in o

You are standing in the cereal aisle. Your child wants the box with the cartoon character. The front says "Made With Whole Grain," "No Artificial Colours," and "Good Source of Fibre." You put it in the cart because it sounds healthy. The ingredient list on the back tells a different story. The front of a food package is marketing. The back is the law. Learning to read the back is one of the most valuable things a parent can do. This guide walks you through exactly how to

Food recalls can sound alarming, but most are issued out of caution. This guide explains why recalls happen, what they mean, and how to respond safely without panic.

Food date codes like “Best By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By” can be confusing. This guide explains what each date actually means, how long foods stay safe, and how to avoid unnecessary waste.

Broth labels can hide added sugars, high sodium, and flavor enhancers that aren’t obvious at first glance. This guide shows you how to quickly evaluate chicken, beef, and vegetable broths for safety and clarity.

This guide shows you how to quickly evaluate bread for safety, nutrition, and hidden ingredients.

What You Need to Know “Natural flavors” is one of the most common — and most confusing — ingredients on packaged foods. The term sounds simple, but it can refer to a wide range of substances extracted from plant or animal sources. The FDA allows companies to use the phrase without listing the specific ingredients that make up the flavor blend. For people with allergies or sensitivities, this lack of detail can make it harder to evaluate a product’s safety. FREE Hidden Ingredi