A good rule of thumb when you’re reading food labels: For every 100 calories, if the product has 3 grams of fat or less, it’s a low-fat product. This means 30% or less of the calories come from fat.
Foods like margarine, mayonnaise, and some salad dressings that get most of their calories from fat must have half or less than half the fat of the regular version of the food to be called “light.” These foods don’t have to meet the 30% cutoff for number of calories from fat to be considered low-fat. (See “Other foods” below.)
These foods supply half the fat (or less) than the regular version of the food, but most of their calories still come from fat. They should be used in small amounts by people on low-fat diets:
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Website: www.eatright.org
For information on diet, nutrition, and various nutrition topics; also has a searchable directory of registered dietitians, including dietitians specializing in oncology nutrition
Food and Nutrition Information Center, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Website: www.nal.usda.gov/fnic
Offers information on dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals and herbs; education on dietary guidelines; food nutrition facts, including fast food; and information on food safety
The Wellness Community/Cancer Support Community
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Offers nutrition information for before, during, and after cancer treatment
Last Revised: June 9, 2020
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