UK food labelling changed significantly after Brexit, with new rules coming into force from 2023 onwards. Understanding how to read nutrition labels — traffic light colours, per 100g versus per portion figures, reference intakes, and allergen highlighting — gives you the information to make genuinely informed food choices. For the allergen-specific context, see our guide to all 14 UK allergens and our food allergy versus intolerance guide.
Feeding a team? Vanda’s Kitchen cooks halal, 100% nut-free food in our St Paul’s kitchen (EC4) and delivers it across the City. Order platters and lunches online.
The traffic light system
The UK traffic light labelling system — voluntary but used by most major retailers and brands — shows red, amber, or green for fat, saturated fat, sugars, and salt per portion. Red means high (fat: >17.5g/100g, sat fat: >5g/100g, sugars: >22.5g/100g, salt: >1.5g/100g). Green means low. Most foods are amber on most indicators — the traffic light is most useful for identifying products with multiple red indicators, which signals high processing and poor nutritional density. However, traffic lights alone are a poor guide to overall food quality: many ultra-processed foods achieve amber ratings while providing minimal nutritional value.
Per 100g versus per portion
The per 100g figures allow direct comparison between products. The per portion figures reflect how much you would actually eat — but portions are often unrealistically small (a 30g serving of cereal, a 25g serving of crisps). Both figures are provided on UK labels — use per 100g for comparing products and per portion for understanding the actual nutritional impact of a serving you would realistically consume.
Allergen labelling
Under Natasha's Law, the 14 mandatory allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list — typically in bold. Allergens can appear anywhere in the ingredients list; you must read the full list rather than relying on the front-of-pack summary. 'May contain' statements are voluntary warnings about cross-contamination — not regulatory requirements — and reflect the manufacturer's assessment of their production environment risk. Vanda's Kitchen provides full Natasha's Law compliant labelling on every item, with our complete allergen matrix available at vandaskitchen.co.uk/pages/allergen-matrix.
For more health and nutrition guidance, explore the Vanda's Kitchen blog. Our certified halal, 100% nut-free kitchen at Carter Lane EC4 delivers freshly prepared food to City offices daily. View our team lunch menu or WhatsApp us. Full allergen labelling on every item. The standard we kept supplying Selfridges for three years. Contact us about corporate catering.
Feeding a team in the City of London?
Vanda’s Kitchen cooks in EC4, beside St Paul’s Cathedral. Every item is halal and the kitchen is 100% nut-free, so one order covers most dietary needs, and the gluten-free range is prepared separately, at a different time and in a separate area. Each order is delivered as its own delivery, on foot or by bike nearby and by electric van for larger orders. Delivery within walking distance of the kitchen is always free. Minimum order £150.
- Order platters, lunches and hot meals online, order by 2pm for next-day delivery, Monday to Friday
- Sandwich and wrap platters, in sizes for 6, 12 or 24 people
Order online now → or message us on WhatsApp 07366 766882.
Frequently asked questions
How does the UK traffic light system work?
Red, amber or green for fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt. It is voluntary but used by most major retailers and brands.
What is the difference between per 100g and per portion?
The per 100g figures allow direct comparison between products.
How are allergens labelled?
Under Natasha's Law, the 14 mandatory allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list, typically in bold.