In Mexico, a can of Coke has a stop sign on it. The label warns of high levels of sugar. In Chile, a bag of Cheetos has a similar label. This one is a warning for sodium, a mineral in salt. In many countries, versions of your favorite snacks come with warnings.

Earlier this year, lawmakers in Congress proposed adding similar warning labels in the U.S. The goal is to discourage people from consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks.

These foods often contain added ingredients that improve flavor. But they have few nutrients. Think chips, candy, and sodas. A study published in 2021 found that ultra-processed foods make up 67 percent of American kids’ diets.

Studies have also shown that eating too much ultra-processed food can lead to serious health problems. They include type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  

But many people say adding warning labels to foods and drinks won’t help improve our eating habits.

In Mexico, a can of Coke has a stop sign on it. The label warns of high sugar levels. In Chile, a bag of Cheetos has a similar label. This one is a warning for sodium. That’s a mineral in salt. In many countries, versions of popular snacks come with warnings.

Earlier this year, lawmakers suggested adding similar warning labels to snacks in the U.S. The goal is to move people away from consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks.

These foods often have ingredients that improve flavor. But they have few nutrients. Think chips, candy, and sodas. Ultra-processed foods make up 67 percent of American kids’ diets. That’s according to a 2021 study. 

Studies also say that eating too much ultra-processed food can lead to serious health problems. Those include type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

But many people say adding warning labels to foods and drinks won’t help improve the way we eat. 

Supporters of warning labels argue that the messaging could help people make healthier decisions. They say ultra-processed foods should have warnings similar to those on cigarette packs. Eating these foods can lead to some of the same health problems that smoking cigarettes causes. 

Most foods and drinks have nutritional information listed on the package. But that information can be easy to miss. It can also be confusing. Kat Morgan is a researcher who studies food and the effects of warning labels. She says warnings on the front of packaging make clear what’s inside. Plus, she says, those warnings may have another positive effect. 

“Warning labels will encourage companies to change their foods to be healthier or less harmful,” Morgan explains. 

The labels can help people make healthier decisions. That’s what supporters of warning labels argue. They say ultra-processed foods should have the kinds of warnings that cigarette packs have. Eating these foods can lead to some of the same health problems that smoking cigarettes causes. 

Most foods and drinks have nutritional information listed on the package. But it can be easy to miss. It can also be confusing. Kat Morgan is a researcher. She studies food and the effects of warning labels. She says warnings on the front of snacks make clear what’s inside. And those warnings may have another positive effect. 

“Warning labels will encourage companies to change their foods to be healthier or less harmful,” Morgan explains.  

Some people argue that warning labels don’t actually teach people about nutrition. Even worse, they say, these labels can send the message that certain foods are “bad.” That can make kids feel guilty about eating them. But nutrition experts say it’s OK to have sweet or salty treats sometimes. 

“There’s nothing wrong with liking the types of foods that might have warning labels on them,” says Therese Bridges. She’s a nutrition expert who helps teens develop healthy eating habits. 

Also, many people argue that warning labels won’t make us switch from ultra-processed foods to healthier options. Bridges says it would be more effective to teach kids about how to have a balanced diet. 

Some people say that warning labels don’t teach people about nutrition. They also worry that these labels send the message that certain foods are “bad.” That can make kids feel guilty about eating them. But nutrition experts say it’s OK to have sweet or salty treats sometimes.

“There’s nothing wrong with liking the types of foods that might have warning labels on them,” says Therese Bridges. She’s a nutrition expert. She helps teens develop healthy eating habits.

Many people also argue that warning labels won’t make us switch from ultra-processed foods to healthier foods. Bridges says it would be more helpful to teach kids about how to have a balanced diet.