WHAT NUTRITION LABELS DON’T TELL YOU BY PAVITHRA KB

I am Pavithra Kb a nutritionist at The Kenko Life.

Let’s decode the real story behind the food labels

You flip the package, scan the nutrition table, and see numbers: calories, fats, protein, carbs, maybe a few vitamins. 

Nutrition labels give us useful data, but they don’t tell the whole story. In fact, some of the most important aspects of your food are completely hidden.

Here’s what your nutrition table doesn’t tell you, and why it matters:

1. The Quality of Ingredients: Two protein bars might have the same 20 grams of protein.

But one gets it from whey isolate, the other from collagen or soy.

The label doesn’t tell you if the protein is complete (with all 9 essential amino acids), easily absorbed, or ultra-processed.

2. The Source of Calories: Not all calories behave the same in your body.

• 100 calories from almonds? Healthy fats, fiber, satiety.

• 100 calories from soda? Sugar spike, crash, zero nutrients.

The label says “100 calories” either way—but your metabolism knows the difference.

3. Additives & Processing: The nutrition table won’t tell you:

• If the food contains ultra-processed oils

• If it was exposed to high heat that damages nutrients

• If additives affect your gut, hormones, or mood

You might see “0g trans fat,” yet still find hydrogenated oils in the ingredients.

A cleaner ingredients list = better for long-term health.

4. Artificial Sweeteners or Sugar Alcohols: Labels often brag: “0g sugar!”

But behind that are sugar alcohols (like erythritol or xylitol) or artificial sweeteners (like sucralose or aspartame), which affect gut health, cravings, or insulin response in subtle ways.

5. Micronutrients That Aren’t Required on the Label: Food labels usually only list:

• Vitamin D

• Calcium

• Iron

• Potassium

But what about:

• Magnesium (vital for over 300 enzymatic reactions)

• Zinc (for immune health)

• Choline (for brain function)

You might be eating calorie-rich, but nutrient-poor food without realizing it.

6. How Food Affects You Personally

No label can tell you:

• If it spikes your blood sugar

• If it causes bloating or inflammation

• If it fits your goals or sensitivities

You might react poorly to gluten, dairy, soy or even natural foods others thrive on. The label can’t predict that. I would like to conclude by saying Our body is the ultimate nutrition label and so listen closely to it to understand better.