How do I understand the fat numbers on a food label?
See how the fat lines fit together without counting them twice.
Total fat includes different kinds of fat. Saturated fat and trans fat are parts of that total. Do not add those lines to total fat again.
In a made-up label, one serving has 8 grams of total fat. Of that, 2 grams are saturated fat. The total is 8 grams, not 10.
ChatGPT can explain a label's terms. It cannot decide a personal fat limit from one food label.
- Check the serving size first.
- Read total fat, then the lines beneath it.
- If you check two servings, double each listed amount.
- Use a calculator: two example servings have 16 grams total fat and 4 grams saturated fat.
Explain this made-up label: 8 grams total fat, including 2 grams saturated fat, per serving. Show the amounts for two servings. Explain why I should not add 8 and 2 to get total fat.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
These examples explain US labels. Keep any food limits from your care team.
Sources and more help
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