At first glance, the health claim plastered on the front of food packaging might seem like a convenient blessing — permission that you don't need to inspect the nutrition label or ingredients list before placing the item in your shopping cart. But think again.

Terms like "no added sugar," "reduced sodium," "low carb," and "organic" might seem straightforward, but their actual meanings can be misleading. For example, "natural" is another claim you've likely seen, but it doesn't necessarily mean the food is healthy or free from additives.

Understanding food labels requires careful scrutiny (and a bit of healthy skepticism) to make truly informed choices. Take our quiz to see if you're on the right track.

How to dodge misleading food labels

Key to avoiding ultra-processed foods and eating a balanced diet is knowing how to avoid the traps set by the food manufacturing industry. Get tips for inspecting food label here:

• 5 Tips for Avoiding Misleading Food Label Claims