Spotlight on Food Label Awareness in Bangladesh

This research highlights the growing importance of food label literacy among Bangladeshi consumers. Conducted across all eight administrative divisions with 1,238 participants, the study assessed consumer knowledge, perceptions, and practical understanding of food labels. Findings reveal that over half of the respondents (52.5%) read labels when buying a product for the first time, and most consider labels “very important” or “important.” Consumers prioritize production and expiration dates, nutritional composition, and the source of raw materials when evaluating food products. However, many still lack a clear understanding of nutritional information. Regression analysis showed that younger, educated individuals—particularly those aged 18–28, from Dhaka and Khulna, with good nutrition knowledge—demonstrate higher practical label understanding. The study calls for improved label clarity and targeted education programs to enhance food label comprehension, especially among older consumers, to promote informed and safer food choices in Bangladesh.