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Traffic-Lights & Simplified PortionsThe Heinz Beans example shown below demonstrates how nutritional values can also be displayed in a consumer-friendly format, relying on graded values rather than absolute values. The total food energy value, expressed as "calories", is the primary visual indicator, using a traffic-light scale to indicate the three relative bands of low, medium [mid] and high.
The coloured calorie traffic-light is underpinned by white traffic-lights to display the three main macronutrients of fats, proteins, carbs, on the same high-low basis. The % weight [gram] values are converted to % energy [calorie] values using the accepted conversion formula. The main health-micronutrients are displayed separately for emphasis. All scales are calculated against descending value-sorts drawn from all known measured foods. In addition, a 10-point scale measures the actual banded values against known portion sizes to show a "simplified portion value". This provides a more precise indicator than the traffic-light. It also provides an option for daily counting applying a similar principle to the "unit" counting systems of some diet groups Scale values and average portions are derived from the UK nutrient databank cross-referenced to the the US nutrient databank. Traffic lights and simplified portion values [10-point scale]: |
Idea by Mike Allott Corporata Ltd.
The image and values are for demonstration.
No association with H J Heinz Co Ltd is claimed or implied.
Source data shown below
Heinz Baked Beans current label info [Fats and Carbs simplified] |
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typical Values | per 100g | per serving |
Energy (kcal) | 75.0 |
155.0 |
Protein (g) | 4.7 | 9.7 |
Carbohydrate (g) | 13.6 | 28.2 |
Fat (g) | 0.2 | 0.4 |
Fibre (g) | 3.7 | 7.7 |
Sodium(g) | 0.5 | 1.0 |
"simplified portion values" equate to RDA's, converted to calories,
of 15 fats + 5 proteins + 20 carbs = 40 cals
©2004 Mike Allott Corporata Ltd