The coloured labels on the front of many UK foods let you compare products at a glance, once you know what they show.
Good to know first
- Traffic light labels show whether a food is high, medium or low in fat, saturates, sugars and salt.
- Red means high, amber medium and green low, based on the amount per 100g.
- The label also shows how much of each nutrient is in a portion, often as a percentage of the reference intake.
- Use the colours to compare similar products rather than to judge single foods in isolation.
Front-of-pack labels sum up key nutrients in a quick, colour-coded way. Many UK supermarkets and manufacturers use them.
What the colours mean
For foods, the colours are based on the amount per 100g:
| Nutrient | Green (low) | Red (high) |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 3g or less | More than 17.5g |
| Saturates | 1.5g or less | More than 5g |
| Sugars | 5g or less | More than 22.5g |
| Salt | 0.3g or less | More than 1.5g |
Amounts in between are amber (medium). Drinks use lower thresholds.
The rest of the label
Labels usually also show the energy (calories) and the amount of each nutrient in a portion, often as a percentage of the reference intake, the maximum an average adult should have in a day.
Easy swap
Compare products side by side, such as two breakfast cereals or two ready meals. Choosing more greens and ambers is an easy way to cut fat, sugar and salt.
Reading the back of the pack
The nutrition table on the back gives per 100g figures for all products, so you can compare even when a front label isn’t used. Remember that “per portion” sizes vary between brands.
Good to remember
Labels help with comparison, but whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables usually don’t carry them at all. A diet based on the Eatwell Guide doesn’t depend on labels.
Using labels day to day
Start with the foods you buy most often and check whether a lower-salt or lower-sugar version exists. Our guides to free sugars and salt explain the daily maximums behind these colours.
Your food questions
Are all labels in the UK colour-coded?
No. Front-of-pack traffic light labels are voluntary, but many supermarkets and manufacturers use them.
What is a reference intake?
A guide to the maximum amount of energy and certain nutrients an average adult should eat in a day.
Should I avoid all foods with red labels?
Not necessarily. It’s fine to have them occasionally and in small amounts; try to choose more greens and ambers overall.
This article is general information about healthy eating, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, have or have had an eating disorder, or follow a special diet, speak to your GP or a registered dietitian before making changes. Figures follow NHS guidance for the UK.