In July 2022, the federal government announced new regulations for supplemented foods to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
By January 1, 2026, all supplemented foods will have new labelling regulations that will help you make informed food choices. Here’s a guide to help you recognize supplemented foods at the grocery store.
What are supplemented foods?
Supplemented foods are prepackaged foods with one or more supplemental ingredients, such as caffeine, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. These supplemental ingredients are added to foods for reasons other than nutrition. For example, caffeine is added to drinks and is marketed as energy boosters.
Examples of supplemental foods you might see:
- drinks, such as energy drinks with added caffeine
- drinks, such as water or juice, with added vitamins and minerals
- bars, such as protein or snack bars, with added vitamins and minerals
The difference between regular and supplemented foods
Supplemented foods will display a ‘Supplemented Food’ Facts Table that shows the nutrients normally included in the Nutrition Facts Table, plus a list of the additional supplements at the bottom of the Nutrition Facts Table.
Comparison of normal Nutrition Facts table and Supplemented Food Facts table.
Some supplemented foods will also display a special identifier with an exclamation mark on the front of the package and a caution statement on the side or back of the package.
Warning identifier found on some supplemented food packaging.
Example of cautionary statements appearing on supplemented food packaging bearing the above warning identifier.
Are supplemented foods safe?
Supplemented foods are generally safe, but some supplemental ingredients may pose a risk to health if:
- consumed in excess by the general population
- consumed by people who are:
- under the age of 14
- pregnant or breastfeeding
- sensitive to caffeine
Foods with these ingredients will have an identifier on the front of the package and a caution box on the back or side of the package. The caution box will give you the additional information you need to decide if this product is right for you. It will tell you who should not consume the product; if there is a limit to how much to eat or drink; and, if you should not consume other foods with the same supplemental ingredients.
Key takeaways
Supplemented Foods will be on your grocery shelves beside regular food products. Make sure you understand what you are buying. Look for the special labelling, especially the exclamation mark on the front of the package of supplemented foods. When you see the exclamation symbol, find and read the caution box to decide if the food is right for you.
Learning and understanding what supplemented foods are and how to identify them will help you and your household make better informed decisions to maintain good health.
