Teenagers today eat way more packaged and processed foods than previous generations, which can lead to health problems later in life. Researchers looked at 11 studies to see if teaching teens how to read food labels actually helps them make healthier choices. The good news? Most programs that taught label-reading skills in schools worked well - students got better at understanding nutrition information and some even started picking healthier foods. However, the challenge is helping teens stick with these better habits long-term, not just while they’re learning about it in class.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether teaching teenagers how to read and understand food labels helps them make healthier food choices
- Who participated: Studies involving adolescents from around the world, mostly in school settings, though exact numbers weren’t specified
- Key finding: Most educational programs successfully improved teens’ ability to understand food labels, and many also saw improvements in actual food choices
- What it means for you: If you’re a parent or teen, learning about food labels through structured programs may help with making better food choices, though building lasting habits takes ongoing effort