How to read an ingredients list

Direct answer: Ingredients on Indian packs are listed in descending order of weight, so the first few make up most of the food. Read the first three, look for added sugars and fats further down, check additives by name or INS number, and read the allergen declaration before you buy.

Why does ingredient order matter?

FSSAI's labelling rules require the list in descending order of weight at the time of making. The first ingredient is the largest.

What are INS numbers?

International Numbering System codes for food additives, such as emulsifiers or colours. The label names the class and the name or INS number.

Where are allergens shown?

FSSAI requires declaration of common allergens such as milk, nuts, soy and cereals containing gluten. Look in or right after the ingredients list.

What do compound ingredients mean?

An ingredient made of other ingredients, like "wafer" or "chocolate compound", may list its own parts in brackets.

Try it

Read one ingredients list and underline every sugar-type name and every allergen.

FAQ

Is a long ingredients list bad?

Not by itself; read what the ingredients are.

What is the veg/non-veg mark?

A green or brown symbol FSSAI requires on the front of the pack.

Sources

• FSSAI, Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 — fssai.gov.in
• FSSAI, Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 — fssai.gov.in
• ICMR-NIN, Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024 — nin.res.in