No matter where you shop for food—whether it’s at a grocery store, big-box retailer, bodega, or gas station—you’ll face the challenge that much of what’s available is junk food: highly processed items full of sugar, salt, and chemical additives.
You’ll also have to navigate confusing marketing claims like “low fat,” “gluten-free,” “paleo,” “keto-friendly,” or “a good source of fiber,” which don’t address the key question: Is this food healthy? While picking an orange is straightforward, a frozen dinner is more complicated, and many people lack the time or expertise to dissect the detailed nutrition labels on food packaging.
What could make things easier is a system that provides clear, front-of-package nutrition information, like a warning that a soda or sugary cereal is unhealthy. This would help guide people away from harmful foods.