Welcome everyone! Today we’re going to become expert label readers. Introduce the purpose: to learn how to decode nutrition labels so we can make smarter snack choices. Emphasize that these skills help us now and in the future.

Point out the major sections of a nutrition label. Explain that every packaged food has the same basic format so we can compare items. Invite students to share what they notice.

Ask: Why do you think serving size matters? Show a real label example and highlight serving size and servings per container. Have students thumbs-up if they eat more than one serving at a time.

Explain calories as energy and why we limit fats and sugars. Use call-and-response: “Energy gives us _______,” students reply “fuel!” Show a snack’s label to locate calories and total fat.

Define % Daily Value and stress that 5% DV or less is low, 20% or more is high. Ask students to look at a label and identify one nutrient high in % DV.

Explain that ingredients are listed by weight. Ask: Why might sugar appear under different names? Provide examples (corn syrup, dextrose).

Display a real snack label. Ask students to work with a partner: What is the serving size? How many grams of sugar? What’s the % DV for fat? Call on volunteers to share.

Explain that next up is our [Label Detective Challenge](#label-detective-challenge). Students will form small groups, examine labels, and record findings. Encourage curiosity and note-taking.