All Heinz products comply with the strict Australian laws in place regarding food labelling and composition. Below are some of the most useful things to look out for on any Heinz product label.

The first ingredient in the Ingredients List is the one present in the largest amount (e.g. navy beans in Heinz Baked Beans). The percentages of other main ingredients are shown next. Then, at the end of the list, you’ll find those that are only present in small amounts, like flavourings and food additives.

Major allergens are listed if they are present as an ingredient, component of an ingredients, present in a food additive or processing aid, or where cross contamination could occur when the food is manufactured.

There are 7 components that must be shown on a Nutrition Information Panel – Energy, Protein, Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Carbohydrate, Sugars and Sodium. Other nutrients or components may also be shown.

You can use the per 100g column to compare percentage of nutrients in foods where grams are the measure used, because g/100g is the same as percentage.

RDI (recommended daily intake) is the amount that is required in the daily diet of a healthy adult male. The serving column will show you how this food contributes to your daily needs.

Best Before dates are shown on packaged foods that should be consumed within a specific timeframe, although you may not find one on foods that have a long shelf life (such as baked beans).

Use By dates are only used on perishable foods such as milk and chilled fruit juice.

For more information about reading food labels, visit the FSANZ website (www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/foodlabelling ).