Q - What is the definition of "Light" when used on a food label?

A - This descriptor can mean two things:

First, that a nutritionally altered product contains one-third fewer calories or half the fat of the reference food. If the food derives 50% or more of its calories from fat, the reduction must be 50% of the fat.

Second, that the sodium content of a low-calorie, low-fat food has been reduced by 50%. In addition, "light in sodium" may be used on food in which the sodium content has been reduced by at least 50%.

The term "light" still can be used to describe such properties as texture and color, as long as the label explains the intent-for example, "light brown sugar" and "light and fluffy."

Medical Wisdom's Food Labeling & Nutrition Facts Information