Confused between per serving and per 100g values? Discover why comparing per 100g is essential for healthy choices and how Luminatens makes it easy

Confused between per serving and per 100g values? Discover why comparing per 100g is essential for healthy choices and how Luminatens makes it easy

The Eternal Battle: Serving Size vs. 100 Grams

Ever found yourself in the supermarket, trying to pick the healthiest yogurt or the cereal with less sugar, only to feel confused by the labels? One product looks great 'per serving', but then you notice the serving size is tiny! The other lists 'per 100g' values that seem high, but maybe the portion you'd actually eat is different. What's the right way to compare? Let's unveil the secret.

The Serving Size Trap: Why It Can Be Misleading

The serving sizes listed on packaging are set by manufacturers and can vary wildly. A bag of chips might show low values for a serving of just 25g, but who really eats that little? This makes honest comparison difficult:

  • Unrealistic Portions: They are often smaller than what a person typically consumes.
  • Extreme Variability: The 'serving' of cereal might be 30g for one brand and 45g for another.
  • Hidden Marketing: Small servings can make a product seem 'lighter' than it actually is.

Relying solely on per-serving values can lead you to make less healthy choices without realizing it.

The Power of 100g: Objective Comparison

Fortunately, in the European Union (and many other countries), it's mandatory to list nutritional values also per 100 grams (or 100 milliliters for liquids). This is the true 'universal benchmark' because:

  1. It's Standardized: All similar products can be compared on the same basis.
  2. It's Objective: It doesn't depend on what the manufacturer decides a 'serving' is.
  3. It's Transparent: It gives you a clear idea of the product's nutritional density.

Want to know if yogurt A has less sugar than yogurt B? Compare the grams of sugar per 100g. Want to choose crackers with less salt? Look at the value per 100g. It's simple and effective.

Luminatens: Simplified & Instant Comparison

We know reading and comparing labels can take time and focus. That's why Luminatens does the heavy lifting for you! When you scan a label:

  1. It Automatically Extracts Per 100g Values: The app focuses on the standardized data to give you a reliable picture.
  2. It Calculates Scores Based on 100g: Our nutritional assessments are based on this objective standard, applying scientific guidelines.
  3. It Facilitates Comparison: You can save scans and quickly see the nutritional differences between products, always based on the 100g values.

With Luminatens, you no longer need to do mental math or hunt for the right line on the label. You instantly get the information that matters for a real comparison.

In Conclusion: The Golden Rule

Next time you're at the supermarket, remember this simple rule: to truly compare two products, always look at the nutritional values per 100g or 100ml. It's the only way to make a genuinely informed choice.

And if you want to make it even easier and faster, let Luminatens be your pocket guide!

Key Takeaways:

  • Listed serving sizes can be misleading and vary between products.
  • Always use the per 100g/100ml values for objective comparison.
  • Luminatens analyzes data per 100g to give you reliable assessments and simplify your choices.

Ready to Compare for Real?

Download Luminatens today and start making more informed food choices based on clear, comparable data. Your health will thank you!

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
  2. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)
  3. WHO - Nutrition Declaration Guidelines
  4. Harvard Nutrition - How to Read Nutrition Labels