Researchers in Canada looked at breakfast foods and snacks sold in stores to see if products with health claims on their labels were actually healthier. They discovered that many foods with labels saying things like “made with whole grains” or “low fat” weren’t necessarily more nutritious than foods without these claims. This matters because shoppers often trust these labels when making quick decisions at the grocery store. The study suggests that Canada may need stronger rules to make sure health claims on food packages are actually backed up by real nutrition.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether foods with health claims printed on the package (like ’natural’ or ‘high in fiber’) were actually more nutritious than foods without these claims
  • Who participated: Breakfast foods and snack products sold in stores throughout Quebec, Canada. The study looked at many different product categories to get a complete picture of what’s available to shoppers
  • Key finding: Foods with health claims on the label were not consistently healthier than foods without these claims. Many products with positive labels still contained high amounts of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats
  • What it means for you: When shopping, don’t rely only on the claims printed on the front of the package. Check the nutrition facts label on the back to see the actual amounts of sugar, salt, and fat. Health claims can be misleading, so it’s important to read the full nutrition information

The Research Details

Researchers collected information about breakfast foods and snacks available in Quebec stores and compared two things: (1) how healthy each product actually was based on its nutrition facts, and (2) what health claims were printed on the package. They looked at many products across different categories to see if there was a pattern.

This type of study is called ‘cross-sectional,’ which means researchers took a snapshot of products at one point in time rather than following people over months or years. They didn’t test the products on people; instead, they analyzed the labels and nutrition information already printed on the packages.

The researchers used a scoring system to rate how nutritious each product was, considering things like sugar content, salt content, fiber, and healthy fats. Then they checked whether products with higher nutrition scores were more likely to have health claims on their labels.

This approach is important because it shows what’s actually happening in real stores where real people shop. By looking at actual products available for purchase, the researchers could see whether companies are using health claims honestly or misleadingly. This type of information helps governments decide if they need stronger rules about what companies can claim on food packages

The study looked at real products in real stores, which makes the findings relevant to everyday shopping. However, the study only looked at products in Quebec at one specific time, so results might be slightly different in other provinces or countries. The study didn’t follow individual people to see if the labels actually affected their food choices, so we can’t say for certain how much this impacts real shoppers’ decisions

What the Results Show

The main finding was that products with health claims printed on them were not significantly healthier overall than products without these claims. This was surprising to researchers because you would expect that if a company puts a health claim on a package, the product would be more nutritious.

Many products with claims like ’natural,’ ‘made with whole grains,’ or ‘good source of fiber’ still contained high amounts of added sugar or salt. For example, a breakfast cereal might say ‘made with whole grains’ on the front but still have as much sugar as a less-healthy cereal without that claim.

The study found that some health claims were more reliable than others. Claims about specific nutrients (like ‘high in calcium’) were somewhat more likely to indicate a healthier product, but even these weren’t always accurate indicators of overall nutrition quality.

The researchers also noticed that different types of products had different patterns. Some food categories were more likely to use health claims even when they weren’t particularly healthy. Breakfast cereals and granola bars, for example, frequently had health claims despite sometimes containing high amounts of sugar. The study also found that products with multiple health claims weren’t necessarily healthier than products with just one claim

Previous research in other countries has found similar problems with health claims on food packages. Studies from Europe and the United States have shown that companies sometimes use misleading claims to make unhealthy products seem healthier. This Quebec study confirms that the same issue exists in Canada, suggesting it’s a widespread problem in North America

The study only looked at products available in Quebec, so the results might not apply to other parts of Canada or other countries. The researchers didn’t follow actual shoppers to see if these misleading labels affected their purchasing decisions. The study was done at one point in time, so we don’t know if the situation has improved or gotten worse since then. Additionally, the study didn’t include all possible food products, only breakfast foods and snacks

The Bottom Line

When shopping for breakfast foods or snacks, spend extra time reading the Nutrition Facts label on the back of the package rather than relying on health claims on the front. Look specifically at the amounts of added sugars, sodium (salt), and saturated fat. Choose products with less of these ingredients and more fiber when possible. This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study clearly shows health claims can be misleading

Everyone who buys packaged breakfast foods or snacks should pay attention to this research, especially parents buying food for children. People trying to manage their weight, blood sugar, or blood pressure should be particularly careful about trusting health claims. This is less relevant if you primarily eat fresh, unpackaged foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains

You can start making better choices immediately by checking nutrition labels more carefully. You might notice improvements in energy levels or how you feel within a few weeks if you switch to genuinely healthier options. Long-term benefits like better weight management or improved health markers typically take several months to become noticeable

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the amount of added sugar and sodium in your breakfast foods and snacks for one week. Write down the product name and the grams of sugar and sodium per serving. Then try to reduce these amounts by 10-20% the following week by choosing different products
  • When you’re about to buy a breakfast food or snack, use the app to scan the barcode or search for the product name. Compare the nutrition facts of 2-3 similar products and choose the one with the lowest added sugar and sodium. Save your favorite healthier options in the app for quick reference during future shopping trips
  • Set a weekly reminder to review your breakfast and snack choices. Track which products you’re buying most often and their nutrition scores. Every month, look back at your choices to see if you’re gradually moving toward healthier options. Use the app to set personal goals like ‘reduce added sugar in snacks by 5 grams per day’ and monitor your progress

This research shows that health claims on food packages may not always indicate truly healthy products. However, this study alone cannot diagnose or treat any medical condition. If you have specific health concerns, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or food allergies, please consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. This information is meant to help you make more informed shopping decisions, not to replace professional medical advice.