In a study of educated adults -- 75 percent had at least a high school education -- most had trouble understanding everyday food nutrition labels.

Overall, patients correctly answered 69 percent of the questions, but they had problems understanding serving sizes and extraneous information and completing simple calculations.
For instance, only 32 percent of patients could correctly calculate the amount of carbohydrates in a 20-ounce bottle of soda that had 2.5 servings in the bottle, and only 23 percent could determine the amount of net carbohydrates in a serving of low-carbohydrate spaghetti.

People look at food labels for different reasons. But whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know how to use this information more effectively and easily. The following label-building skills are intended to make it easier for you to use nutrition labels to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet.