Supermarket BUZZWORDS to watch

StephN · 04-08-2010, 03:20 PM

These tips are from the AARP magazine of Jan/Feb 2010. Can you tell I am a bit behind in my reading? But I learned something here, especially about the eggs. (Don't think I have ever seen an "organic fish" label.)

Don't Buy Every Buzzword! Phil says: Supermarkets and food manufacturers slap all kinds of words on their products to suggest they're better—and thereby justify a higher price. But sometimes those terms mean less than you would think. Here are some examples of buzzwords to avoid. Don't pay up for these marketing slogans—they're not worth the label they're printed on!

Synthetic-growth-hormone-free milk
Today most store brands are free of added hormones, and on average cost about half as much as organic brands.

Hormone-free eggs
The label may as well read "Hype"! The use of hormones in poultry has been banned since the 1960s. Also be cautious before paying more for eggs labeled free range. The outdoor area for these hens could be a concrete slab. For real assurance of a barnyard lifestyle, look for certified humane.
(I look for "Vegetarian fed.")

USDA-certified organic beef
Though high standards earn this beef a premium price, the term doesn't tell you whether the cattle were fed grain or grass. For better beef that's sometimes cheaper, look for grass-fed beef, which (whether certified organic or not) contains about half as much fat, twice as much omega-3 fatty acids, and a higher level of vitamin E.

Organic fish
This label has no fixed meaning, since the USDA has not declared a standard for organic seafood (though other nations have). If you see this, ask the vendor what it means. It may not be worth paying extra.

Becky · 04-09-2010, 05:15 AM

The same is true for "Green" and "Environmentally Friendly" products. I am not allowed to use these terms in my marketing campaigns for my products (Lubricants) or in published literature or articles (even though my products are "green"). When you look at the business law surrounding this, you wouldn't either and I wonder why its allowed for food products to use these vague terms too.

Henny · 04-09-2010, 05:59 AM

Has anyone mentioned Michael Pollan's new book Food Rules?
I just love his mantra;

eat food (ie real not fake food-my words)
not too much
mostly plants

He goes into a little more detail but whenever I want that big piece of steak I say this to myself and go for the veggies

Becky · 04-09-2010, 09:04 AM

Henny

That is a good mantra - especially "Eat Food" which I always do. Most supermarket offerings are "edible products". Always read labels. Once my kids asked why we were eating a brand of "flavored rice" over Rice A Roni and other types and I told them to read the label of the brand (Manochewicz) we were now eating. It is because its ingredients were all food (rice, parsley, real spices) no chemicals. Although eating too much red meat isn't good, its not nearly as bad as just eating edible products (which are loaded with chemicals and highly refined ingredients)

TanyaRD · 04-12-2010, 06:35 AM

This is a favorite topic of mine. My newest favorite that I love to hate is FIBER. Practically everything right now is "High Fiber". Unfortunately, most of these products are no higher in fiber than they have ever been because companies are using "fake fibers" such as maltodextrin, chicory root, oat fiber, inulin. These fibers don't have the same benefit as soluble and insoluble fibers and nobody is sure if there is any benefit whatsoever. However, they are technically fibers therefore can be listed as such on the label. Look at the ingredient list for some of the above ingredients. Some of the big offenders are granola bars (like Fiber One), cereals, breads (often say "double fiber), yogurts, cottage cheese. Best bets for fiber remain in true whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It is important to be a cautious consumer.

Karen Wheel · 04-28-2010, 06:30 AM

Amen o all these responses --- so true!

Also, one of the books I am reading now - Beating Cancer with Nutrition (great by the way) he says - stay on the outside of the supermarket - don't even bother going to the center isles as everything there has been tampered with. And concentrate your efforts in the vegetable and fruit section (my thoughts exactly!) and buy whole grains - make your own bread (I do!) because all breads have crap they put in them to keep shelf life... ugh!

I try not to eat anything that isn't made fresh - its harder but I think its a good sacrifice to make to staying on the NED side of Her2!

Karen