As of January 1, 2026, making more informed choices at grocery stores in Canada has gotten a little easier. You may have recently noticed a magnifying glass icon on many prepackaged foods. This new packaging is designed to help shoppers spot key nutrition information at a glance. They are called front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels, and their job is simple: flag foods that are high in nutrients linked to chronic disease when eaten often, like saturated fat, sugar and sodium.
So, what exactly are front-of-package labels?
Front-of-package labels are simple black-and-white symbols that appear on the front of food and drink packages. They’re different from the Nutrition Facts table you’ll find on the back or side. The symbol uses a magnifying glass to highlight whether a product is “high in”:
- Sodium
- Sugar
- Saturated fat
- Or a combination of the three
Why are these labels being introduced?
Health Canada’s goal is to make it faster and easier for Canadians to make informed food choices while shopping. By drawing attention to nutrients that, when overconsumed, are linked to things like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, these labels support choices that align more closely with Canada’s Food Guide.
Which foods will you see these labels on?
You’ll likely spot front-of-package labels on many everyday items, including:
- Cereals
- Soups
- Sauces and dressings
- Frozen dinners and processed meals
- Sweet snacks and beverages
- Salty snacks
If a food is prepackaged, requires a Nutrition Facts table, and is high in sodium, sugar, or saturated fat, there’s a good chance it’ll carry a “high in” symbol.
How does this actually help shoppers?
Front-of-package labels are meant to make shopping easier. Here’s how they can help:
- Quick comparisons: See nutrition flags instantly, no flipping packages back and forth.
- More informed choices: Compare similar products and decide which option works best for you or your family.
- Big-picture impact: Over time, clearer labelling can support healthier eating patterns and encourage food companies to reformulate products with less sodium, sugars, and saturated fat.
An important thing to remember
Front-of-package labels don’t replace the Nutrition Facts table; they work alongside it. If you want the full picture of a product’s nutrition, check the ingredients list and look at the Nutrition Facts table.
Bottom line
Canada’s front-of-package nutrition labelling is a big step toward making food choices simpler and more transparent. By spotlighting foods higher in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, these labels give shoppers a helpful tool to navigate the grocery store with more confidence. With clear information, so you can choose what works best for you and your family, one shopping trip at a time.
