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While you shop
Using label and shelf information
•
When your food budget allows, buy extra low-
cost, nutritious foods like potatoes and frozen
orange juice concentrate. These foods keep well.
Compare the cost of convenience foods with the
same foods made from scratch. “Convenience
foods” are products like fancy baked goods, frozen
meals, and vegetables with seasonings and sauces.
Most of these cost more than similar foods
prepared at home. Also, you can use less fat,
sugar, and salt in food you make at home.
Try store brands. They usually cost less than name
brands, but they taste as good and generally have
the same nutritional value.
• Read the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods.
Compare the amount of fat, sodium, calories, and
other nutrients in similar products. This can help
you choose foods that have less fat, sodium or
calories, and more vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Use date information on packages—“sell by” and
“best if used by” dates—to help you choose the
freshest foods.
• Look for the unit price to compare similar foods.
It tells you the cost per ounce, pound, or pint, so
you’ll know which brand or size is the best buy.
Most stores show the unit price on a shelf sticker
just below the product.
•
•
•
•
Take time to compare fresh, frozen, and canned
foods to see which is cheapest. Buy what’s on
special and what’s in season.
Prevent food waste. Buy only the amount that your
family will eat before the food spoils.
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