Labelling

Traffic light labelling

The Food Standards Agency's (FSA) traffic light nutritional signposting system aims to make food labelling simpler.

The easy-to-follow front of pack format allows our customers to see the nutritional content of products at a glance, with a majority using the information to help them make healthier choices.

How to use traffic light labelling

We all know we should be reducing our fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar intakes. Traffic lights are allocated according to criteria set by the FSA. They show us at a glance whether the product you have chosen contains a high, medium or low amount of the nutrients we are trying to reduce in our diets.

What else does the traffic light label tell me?

The amount of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars, per portion or per pack, also appear on the traffic light label. Calories appear too, although these are not colour coded and are not part of the FSA's scheme.

Additional back of pack nutrition labelling on Waitrose products

Since 2005 we have highlighted the key nutrient information per portion or per pack, in a horizontal bar on the back of our own label products. This is in addition to the standard nutrition information and enables you to see at a glance the amount of calories, fat, saturates, salt and sugar a pack or portion provides.

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What does the guideline daily amount tell me?

Guideline Daily Amounts provide a guide to the amount of calories, fat, saturates, salt and sugar that make up a healthy diet. The aim is to make it easier for adult men and women to choose the appropriate balance of foods.

The amount you need each day will depend on your age, gender and how physically active you are. If you are overweight, this suggests you are eating more than you need and you should consider reducing your calorie and fat intake as well as becoming more physically active.

Guideline daily amounts for average adults:

The guideline daily amount panel is also included on our products. This information is for adults and sets a guide as to the amount of calories, fat, saturates, salt and sugars that an adult may consume in a day.

It is important to remember that we all have different lifestyles and therefore different nutritional requirements. For instance, someone who is physically active may require a greater intake of calories and other nutrients whereas someone who is less active, or trying to lose weight, will require less calories and other nutrients.

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Our signs

On our own-label packaging we have made it easy for you to enjoy a wider variety of nutritionally balanced foods each day by using brightly coloured LOVE Life icons on products to indicate some of the nutritional benefits, for instance to show a product is rich in omega 3. Read on to find out what each of these icons symbolise.

Fat

The benefit: limiting the amount of fat in our diet is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Nutritional criteria:

Examples of foods where you might see the icon displayed: Low fat fish, meat and dairy.

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Oily fish

The benefit: omega 3 is a type of unsaturated fat that helps to keep our heart healthy and are essential to health and well-being.

Nutritional criteria:

Examples of foods where you might see the icon displayed: fresh oil-rich fish such as trout, salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna. Canned fish in oils (excludes tuna) and fortified products such as eggs, milk and yogurt.

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Fruit and vegetables

The benefit: fruit and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Enjoy 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Nutritional criteria:

Examples of foods where you might see the icon displayed: fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen and canned), prepared vegetables, prepared fruit, fruit juices, dried fruit and fresh vegetable soups and some ready meals.

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Fibre

The benefit: fibre helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and keep us feeling full for longer, which is helpful for weight management.

Nutritional criteria:

Examples of foods where you might see the icon displayed: fruit and vegetables, beans, grains, cereals, morning goods and bread.

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Vitamins and minerals

The benefit: We need over 40 different kinds of vitamins and minerals every day for good health and there are many in the UK diet that people aren’t getting enough of. Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important to eat a wide variety of foods each day.

Nutritional criteria:

Examples of foods where you might see the icon displayed: fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and unsalted nuts.

* The minerals will include calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium.

** The vitamins will include vitamins A, D, E, C, B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate.

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How can Waitrose help?

Our team of Waitrose Nutritionists can answer your nutrition or diet questions and offer guidance on diet and healthy eating. Click here to view previously answered questions and submit your query.

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