Why What's Inside Matters

Read the Label
Health There are several new "soft drinks" being advertised in young people's magazines. Bring in a sample of each and have students read and compare the labels. What is the ingredient that manufacturers are adding? What can the effects of caffeine overload be? Which of these drinks are safe? Which might not be? Do the students feel that there is enough information on the labels? If students feel strongly about the content of these new drinks, ask them to write to the drink manufacturers and explain their views.

Reading Food Labels
Using this online Food Label tutorial and quiz game students will compare nutrients between two or more food labels. Then students will determine the amount of specific nutrients on a food label. Finally, students will identify the food label that contains the correct amount of nutrients to answer the question.

Consumerism – Food Labeling
Students learn how to read the nutrition label required on food packages to help make food choices that meet the Dietary Guidelines and promote good health.

Evaluating Information on Food Labels
This lesson plan utilizes the film and PBS's website resources for Food, Inc., a documentary that examines food in the United States and the industry that produces it. Students can use these materials to explore what consumers should be able to learn about food from Nutrition Facts panels.