It pays to read the label

As more Filipinos explore prescription treatments under medical supervision, health professionals continue to emphasize that medication alone is not enough to achieve long-term wellness.

Instead, one simple habit can make a meaningful difference: Understanding what goes into the food we buy.

GLP-1 therapies, which help regulate appetite and blood sugar, are becoming more accessible in the Philippines through hospitals, clinics and telehealth providers. However, the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care stresses that these medications should be combined with individualized nutrition plans and healthy lifestyle practices for the best outcomes.

That is why grocery shopping has become an increasingly important part of the wellness journey.

Many products carry eye-catching claims such as “sugar-free,” “no added sugar” or “naturally sweetened,” but these labels do not all mean the same thing.

A sugar-free product contains only trace amounts of sugar per serving and often uses alternative sweeteners. Meanwhile, “no added sugar” indicates that manufacturers did not add sugar during processing, although naturally occurring sugars from ingredients like fruit or milk may still be present. Products described as “naturally sweetened” use naturally derived sweeteners instead of refined sugar, but because the term is not regulated, consumers are still encouraged to examine the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list.

Nutrition experts also recommend checking serving sizes, total sugar content, fiber, protein and ingredient lists instead of relying solely on marketing claims found on the front of the package.

These details can help shoppers make choices that better support their personal health goals, whether they are reducing sugar intake, managing blood sugar or simply trying to eat more mindfully.

More consumers are becoming proactive about understanding what is in the food they buy rather than simply looking for products marketed as healthy. Shoppers increasingly seek transparency and practical information so they can select products that match their individual nutrition goals, whether they are cutting back on sugar or following dietary advice from their healthcare providers.

Healthy eating looks different for every person, making informed decision-making more valuable than following one-size-fits-all trends.

Learning how to interpret nutrition labels and ingredient lists empowers consumers to make informed grocery decisions, turning healthier intentions into sustainable daily habits. P. SONGCOAs more Filipinos explore prescription treatments under medical supervision, health professionals continue to emphasize that medication alone is not enough to achieve long-term wellness.

Instead, one simple habit can make a meaningful difference: Understanding what goes into the food we buy.

GLP-1 therapies, which help regulate appetite and blood sugar, are becoming more accessible in the Philippines through hospitals, clinics and telehealth providers. However, the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care stresses that these medications should be combined with individualized nutrition plans and healthy lifestyle practices for the best outcomes.

That is why grocery shopping has become an increasingly important part of the wellness journey.

Many products carry eye-catching claims such as “sugar-free,” “no added sugar” or “naturally sweetened,” but these labels do not all mean the same thing.

A sugar-free product contains only trace amounts of sugar per serving and often uses alternative sweeteners. Meanwhile, “no added sugar” indicates that manufacturers did not add sugar during processing, although naturally occurring sugars from ingredients like fruit or milk may still be present. Products described as “naturally sweetened” use naturally derived sweeteners instead of refined sugar, but because the term is not regulated, consumers are still encouraged to examine the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list.

Nutrition experts also recommend checking serving sizes, total sugar content, fiber, protein and ingredient lists instead of relying solely on marketing claims found on the front of the package.

These details can help shoppers make choices that better support their personal health goals, whether they are reducing sugar intake, managing blood sugar or simply trying to eat more mindfully.

More consumers are becoming proactive about understanding what is in the food they buy rather than simply looking for products marketed as healthy. Shoppers increasingly seek transparency and practical information so they can select products that match their individual nutrition goals, whether they are cutting back on sugar or following dietary advice from their healthcare providers.

Healthy eating looks different for every person, making informed decision-making more valuable than following one-size-fits-all trends.

Learning how to interpret nutrition labels and ingredient lists empowers consumers to make informed grocery decisions, turning healthier intentions into sustainable daily habits. P. SONGCO