Page 33 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Caitlin - The worst part of reading ingredients is usually the fact that it is time-consuming. The best part of reading ingredients, however, is that it has made me much more aware of everything I eat. I believe I live a healthier lifestyle because of this.
Katelyn - The best part about reading an ingredient list for everything I eat is that I can also assess the nutritional information about the product. So I can also make good choices about my overall health. The worst part about reading an ingredient list on everything I eat is that it is time-consuming. But, in the end, it’s worth it.
Michelle - I find it interesting to look at ingredients to see if it’s something I could potentially make at home for myself. The worst part about reading ingredients is finding the original packaging. Some individually wrapped items have no labels because they’re from a larger package that features the label.
To wrap it up...
As a teen with food allergies, you will become a master of label reading (if you aren’t already). You can have much more peace of mind in knowing what exactly you are eating by:
1. Recognizing the different names of your allergens
2. Avoiding products with precautionary “may contain” warnings
3. Calling companies for clarification
4. Knowing when to trust others and not to be embarrassed to ask to double-check
5. Recognizing how labelling laws are different in other countries
After all, eating food should be enjoyable. It’s hard to appreciate a food when you’re uncertain about its ingredients.
Summary Tips
1) Do not take a chance with precautionary (like "may contain") labels.
2. Do the “triple check” and read the ingredient list at the store, at home, and before you eat.
3. Always check the ingredient list because sometimes ingredients or manufacturing practices change.