03.03.2025

It doesn’t say that on the label!

By Lesia

You’re right, there are many things about food, products, and even health practices that aren’t explicitly stated on labels or in common knowledge. This is where a lot of misinformation and “hidden truths” can circulate. Here are some common examples of things that “don’t say that on the label”:

Food:

  • “Natural Flavors”: This term can encompass a wide range of ingredients, some of which may be highly processed or derived from unexpected sources.  
  • “Artificial Colors”: Some artificial food colorings have been linked to hyperactivity in children, but this isn’t always prominently displayed.  
  • “Sugar-Free”: Often, sugar-free products contain artificial sweeteners that can have their own set of potential health effects.  
  • “Low-Fat”: Low-fat products are often loaded with sugar or other additives to compensate for the loss of flavor.  
  • “Gluten-Free”: Just because a product is gluten-free doesn’t automatically make it healthy. It can still be high in sugar, fat, and processed ingredients.  
  • Pesticide Residue: The level of pesticide residue on produce isn’t always clear, even with labeling.
  • Where food comes from: Packaged foods may contain ingredients from many different countries, and this information can be hard to track.
  • Processing methods: Many processed foods undergo chemical processes that are not listed on the packaging.

Products:

  • “Fragrance”: This single word on an ingredient list can hide a multitude of potentially harmful chemicals.  
  • “Parabens” and “Phthalates”: These chemicals, found in some personal care products, have been linked to hormone disruption.  
  • “Microplastics”: Many personal care products and even some clothing items release microplastics into the environment, which can end up in our food and water.  
  • “Forever Chemicals” (PFAS): These chemicals are used in many non-stick pans, and other every day items, and are linked to many health issues.  
  • “Greenwashing”: Companies may use misleading marketing to make their products seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are.  
  • The true lifespan of products: Planned obsolescence means some products are designed to fail after a certain amount of time.  

Health:

  • “Natural Remedies”: Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective.
  • Supplement Interactions: Supplements can interact with medications, but this isn’t always well-publicized.  
  • The Placebo Effect: The power of belief can influence health outcomes, even with inactive treatments.  
  • The long term effects of some medications: Some medications have side effects that take years to become apparent.
  • The effect of stress: The detrimental effects of long term stress are often under reported.

Why This Matters:

  • Informed Choices: It’s crucial to be aware of what’s not on the label to make informed decisions about your health and consumption.
  • Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate information and avoid falling for misleading claims.
  • Research: Do your own research and consult reliable sources to learn more about the products you use and the foods you eat.
  • Question Everything: Don’t be afraid to question marketing claims and seek out the truth.

By being aware of what “doesn’t say that on the label,” you can become a more informed and empowered consumer.