Reading grocery labels doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few quick checks, you can confidently compare products and choose what works best for your household. The key is knowing where to look and what matters most. Here’s a simple, aisle-friendly guide to help you shop smarter at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham.
Nutrition Facts Made Simple
The Nutrition Facts panel is where most shoppers look first — and where the biggest decisions happen. Understanding this label helps you compare products side by side while shopping at your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham.
Learn how to quickly read the Nutrition Facts label at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham. Compare serving sizes, calories, sodium, and key nutrients side by side to make confident, informed choices for your household.
- Serving Size: Start Here
All nutrition information is based on one serving. Packages often contain more than one serving, so always check this first before comparing calories or nutrients. For example, a single bottle of soda or a small bag of chips may contain two or more servings.
When comparing items like breakfast cereals or snack crackers, make sure the serving sizes are similar so you’re making an accurate comparison.
- Calories Per Serving
Calories are listed per serving, not per package. If two products appear similar, check the serving size before deciding which fits your family’s needs.
- Added Sugars vs. Total Sugars
Total sugars include both naturally occurring sugars and added sugars.
Added sugars are introduced during processing.
When comparing cereals, flavored yogurts, pasta sauces, or snacks, focus on added sugars first. For example, when choosing between different cereals on our shelves, look beyond the front label and compare the added sugars listed in the Nutrition Facts panel.
- Saturated Fat and Sodium
These are nutrients many shoppers try to limit. The Nutrition Facts label allows you to compare similar items and choose options with lower saturated fat and sodium per serving.
This is especially helpful when selecting canned soups, frozen meals, sauces, or deli meats available at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham.
- Why Fiber and Protein Matter
Fiber supports fullness and digestive health.
Protein helps keep you satisfied longer.
When choosing breads, cereals, or snacks, look for higher fiber and adequate protein. Whole grain bread options, oats, beans, and lean meats found in our store can help you build balanced meals your whole family will enjoy.
Ingredient List Basics
The ingredient list tells you what the product is mostly made of. It provides insight beyond what’s highlighted on the front of the package.
- Ingredients Are Listed by Weight
Ingredients appear from highest to lowest by weight. The first three ingredients usually make up most of the product.
If whole wheat flour is listed first on a loaf of bread, that’s a good sign you’re getting more whole grains. If sugar is one of the first ingredients in a snack product, that’s important to notice.
- Spotting Hidden Sugars
Sugar may appear under names like cane syrup, corn syrup, dextrose, honey, or fruit concentrate. If multiple forms of sugar appear near the top of the ingredient list, the product likely contains a significant amount of added sugar.
Taking a moment to scan the first few ingredients can help you make more informed choices.
- Shorter vs. Highly Processed Lists
Shorter ingredient lists often indicate less processing. While not always the case, a long list with unfamiliar additives can signal a more processed product.
When comparing two similar items — such as pasta sauces, salad dressings, or snack bars — scan the first few ingredients before making your decision.
Understanding Common Label Claims
Front-of-package claims can be helpful, but they don’t replace reading the full label.
- Organic
Products labeled organic must meet federal standards. Look for the USDA Organic seal for certified products in our produce section and throughout the store.
- Natural
“Natural” is not a strictly regulated nutrition term. It does not automatically mean healthier or less processed. Always review the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts panel.
- No Added Sugar
This means no sugars were added during processing. It does not mean the product is sugar-free, since it may still contain naturally occurring sugars.
- Gluten-Free
This regulated claim indicates the product meets federal standards for gluten content. It’s especially important for shoppers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Non-GMO
Non-GMO indicates ingredients are not genetically modified. It does not necessarily reflect overall nutrition quality.
The best practice is simple: always check both the Nutrition Facts and ingredient list for the full picture.
Expiration and Date Labels Explained
Understanding date labels helps reduce food waste and improve food safety for your family.
Best By
Refers to product quality, not safety. The food may still be good after this date if stored properly.
Use By
Typically relates to peak quality and, in some cases, safety guidance.
Sell By
Guides retailers on inventory timing. It’s not an expiration date for consumers.
When in doubt, check storage instructions and use your best judgment for freshness. At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, our team works hard to maintain quality and rotate inventory so you can shop with confidence.
The 30-Second Label Reading Checklist
Use this quick system in any aisle at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham:
Make smarter choices in every aisle at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham with this 30-second label reading checklist. Quickly compare serving sizes, added sugars, sodium, and ingredients to confidently select the best products for your family.
A simple routine, label reading becomes second nature.
Shop Smarter at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham
Understanding grocery labels helps you choose foods that fit your family’s needs and your budget. Whether you’re selecting fresh Alabama-grown produce, comparing whole grain breads, or choosing pantry staples, a little label knowledge goes a long way.
Before your next trip, browse the Weekly Ad online and download The Pig Bham App to add digital coupons and unlock extra savings on your favorite products.
- Download on the App Store
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Smart label reading paired with smart savings makes every trip to Piggly Wiggly Birmingham even better. Follow along with #thepigbham for more helpful grocery tips rooted right here in Birmingham, Alabama.