Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter (DECEMBER 2023): The new issue features Type of Carbohydrate May be More Important Than Amount for Body Weight; Beware of “Health-Washing” – Front package health claims can be misleading; Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Adverse Liver Outcomes…

Beware of “Health-Washing”

Front-of-package health claims can be helpful—but they can also be misleading. Learn how to tell the difference.

Some health claims on packages or in advertising may be inappropriate or even misleading. This is sometimes referred to as “health-washing.”

Common Claims. Even FDA-approved claims (like organic, “non” or “free,” reduced, light, natural, and naturally raised) don’t guarantee the food or beverage is an overall healthy choice. Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Organic, gluten-free. Desserts, breads, and cereals made with organic ingredients and/or gluten-free flour can still be full of refined carbohydrates, sugar, or salt, and not much better for your health than the regular versions.

Type of Carbohydrate May be More Important Than Amount for Body Weight