Some folks will believe anything as long as it’s on a label, but food packaging isn’t always the most reliable source of information. You’d be shocked at what manufacturers can get away with, with many claims being outright lies. No savvy shopper wants to eat anything under false pretences, so here’s a list of seven of the most common dodgy claims to look out for.

There is no single legal definition of ‘organic’

‘Organic’ is one of those words that many people sort of understand, but would struggle to actually articulate the meaning to someone else. Turns out that many food producers have the same problem, with loose definitions showing up on all sorts of labels to try to make you believe the product is healthy or ethical when it may not be. Always look for certified organic, because it means that an outside organisation has signed off on the claim. ‘Australian Certified Organic’ is the most reliable, as it runs the strictest verification system.

Not all health ticks and seals of approval are legit

Terms like ‘fresh’, ‘pure’ and ‘heart smart’ may draw you in, but they’re not actually regulated by any governing body. Always look past the buzzwords and pay close attention to the small print. The health star rating is definitely one to trust, however. It’s a federal government initiative designed to cut through food label jargon and give you a simple way to see how healthy the item is. The higher the rating, the healthier the product is in comparison to others of its type.

‘Natural’ is an ambiguous term

Another food company favourite, the word ‘natural’ is quite often twisted into something far beyond its wholesome implications. Again, there are no rigid guidelines as to what it should mean, so it’s pretty much fair game for anyone trying to market their products as healthy. Be sure to check the rest of the label closely before buying (hint: anything with a whole lot of additives and preservatives is not natural).

Free range isn’t always free range

According to the Model Code of Practice, any business that claims to produce free-range eggs must do so in an environment containing no more than 1,500 hens per hectare. However, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that not all producers adhere to this rule.

If you’re opting for supermarket own-brand ‘free-range’ eggs to save some money, you may be unaware that Woolworths Select, Coles, and Aldi’s Lodge Farm free-range eggs have stocking densities of 10,000 hens per hectare, which doesn’t align with the true free-range standard. Now when you’re browsing the egg section at the supermarket, you’ll know what you’re really getting for your money.

Beware of ‘no added sugar’

‘No added sugar’ is not the same thing as ‘sugar free’, however much the company may try to imply it. Many foods labelled as such already contain significant levels of natural sugar, and those levels aren’t lowered simply by not sticking any more in. Fruit juice and honey are common offenders, so remember to check the nutritional info carefully.

‘Dolphin-friendly’ tuna isn’t necessarily ethical

Most canned tuna sold in Australia is caught in the Western Central Pacific Ocean, so calling it ‘dolphin-friendly’ means about as much as ‘dinosaur-friendly pork’. Dolphins and tuna simply don’t cross paths in that part of the sea, so the claim has no sensible basis. If you want ethically sourced fish, look out for ‘pole-and-line-caught’ options instead.

‘Free to roam’ and ‘open range’ are just marketing terms

Like many of the seductively happy phrases on this list, ‘free to roam’ and ‘open range’ are just marketing buzzwords used by companies who want people to pay more for their steaks. There is no legislation covering these sorts of terms in regards to meat in Australia, so just because they conjure up mental images of happy cows in a field, this may not really be the case.

Don’t forget to drop by our supermarkets and groceries section for more handy shopping tips.