A new guidance statement from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) says that simple, standardized nutrition labels placed on the front of packaged foods could help shoppers make healthier decisions. The recommendations, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, support front-of-package labeling systems that clearly highlight nutrients tied to heart health.
Research shows that diets lower in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars are linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. But the current Nutrition Facts panel is often hard to interpret quickly, especially when people are choosing products on a tight schedule.
Kim Allan Williams, chair of the writing committee, said the goal is to offer a clearer cue at the moment people select foods.
“Front of package labeling presents an opportunity to translate nutrition science into real-world consumer guidance and provide a rapid, visual cue at the point of purchase that highlights nutrients most relevant to chronic disease risk like saturated fat, sodium and added sugars,” he said.
The ACC notes that many countries already use front-of-package labels, including color-coded systems that show whether levels of certain nutrients are high, medium or low. These labels are meant to complement existing Nutrition Facts panels, not replace them. The guidance suggests that such systems can be especially helpful for individuals with limited time or less familiarity with nutrition information.
The document also points out that clinicians often have limited time to discuss diet during appointments, and that simple labels could reinforce conversations about heart-healthy eating patterns. As Williams explained, tools like these can help connect nutrition advice to everyday choices.
“The front of package labeling can serve as a bridge during these conversations,” he said.
The ACC guidance emphasizes that front-of-package labeling is designed to offer consistent, science-based information that helps people compare foods more easily and supports long-term heart health.