Even if you take the time to read nutrition labels on packaged foods, it’s easy to get confused. And part of the problem is that serving sizes can sometimes be misleading. Nutritionists share the food portions they most often see misunderstood.
● A single serving of instant ramen is only half a “brick” - Those budget-friendly instant noodles come portioned and wrapped, so we assume each “brick” is one serving. But the nutrition label reveals one serving is just half a brick and half a seasoning packet.
● One serving of raw almonds is about 12 nuts - Dietitians recommend snacking on protein-packed raw almonds, but it’s easy to overdo it by grabbing a big handful because a serving is only about 12 almonds.
● Not all ice cream serving sizes are the same - Fans of Halo Top ice cream know a serving size is the entire pint, but some brands split it into three or four servings, like Ben & Jerry’s.
● Cooking spray may measure its servings by time - Some cooking spray brands give servings based on a “spray time” that’s usually less than a second, so it’s very easy to spray longer and get more calories than you realize.
● Cereal serving sizes are one of the most misunderstood - A serving of cereal for adults is three-quarters of a cup, but who’s actually measuring that out?
● Sports drinks serving sizes are usually less than a bottle - Gatorade and some other brands of sports drinks can contain two or more servings per bottle.
● Most bananas at the grocery store are bigger than the standard serving size - A “medium” banana is the standard serving, but most of the ones we see at the supermarket are one-and-a-half to two times that big.
● A single serving of chicken is smaller than you think - According to the USDA, a serving of chicken breast is about three-ounces, but the chicken breasts sold in grocery stores are typically much bigger than that.
● A standard serving size of peanut butter is two tablespoons - Most of us aren’t measuring it out when we make a PB & J, but if we did, the serving size might not be enough for that sandwich.
HT: Huff Post