For years, food labels told the truth — but only in size 8 font on the back. That’s changing.
As health-conscious Indian consumers start asking better questions — “How much sugar is too much?”, “Is this really high protein?” — brands are shifting their strategy. Welcome to the era of front-of-pack honesty, where nutrition info doesn’t hide — it headlines.
Unlike the fine print tucked behind folds, front-of-pack (FOP) labels put the key facts where your eyes actually go first: the front. Grams of sugar. Calorie count. Protein content. Sometimes even traffic-light-style icons that show how “clean” the product really is.
The push is both voluntary and regulatory. Startups like The Whole Truth and Yogabar pioneered this in India by listing “no added sugar,” “x grams protein,” and full ingredient breakdowns right on the face of the pack — not because they had to, but because it built trust.
Now, legacy brands are catching up. ITC, Nestlé, and HUL are experimenting with simplified icons and clearer callouts on snacks, cereals, and beverages — especially in the wellness and kids’ segments.
The shift isn’t just cosmetic. Consumers feel more empowered when the math is done for them. When a pack says, “8g sugar — moderate,” they’re more likely to feel respected, not misled.
However, critics argue FOP labels still aren’t fully standardised, and often use creative marketing — like “no added sugar” that still contains hidden sweeteners. That’s where packaging copy and visuals must work together to ensure clarity, not confusion.
Because in today’s food aisle, the most powerful thing a pack can say isn’t “New” or “Now with More Flavour” — it’s “Here’s what you’re really eating.”
