Consumers today look at nutrition labels more often than they did two decades ago, and regular users tend to choose more healthful foods and eat out less, according to a USDA study.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 79% of adults used nutrition labels at least some of the time from 2017 to 2020, compared to 62% in 2005 to 2006, the Economic Research Service reported. 

 It’s easy to be “in the know” about agriculture news from coast to coast! Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse news. Simply click here.

The study found that consumers who regularly check nutrition labels consume less fat, including saturated fat, alcohol, sugars and sodium. Consumption of saturated fat was 54 calories lower per day among shoppers who check nutrition labels. They ate 90 fewer calories of sugars daily. 

The use of nutrition labels was lower among men, adults with less than a high school education, lower-income households and people living in nonmetro areas.

For more news, go to Agri-Pulse.com.