The Ministry of Health launched the Food Guide for the Population in 2014, which defined ultra-processed foods as ready-to-eat products made primarily from synthetic substances. In addition to the harm of overconsumption, food labels are difficult to understand and influence food choices. It is necessary to make the population aware of healthy choices to promote public health, considering the increase in chronic degenerative diseases due to changes in eating patterns and a sedentary lifestyle. The document presents an essential literary basis, based on a qualitative and investigative perspective. The consulted references are accessible on both national and international platforms, and can be found in languages such as Portuguese and English. The purpose of this article is to address the importance of transparency in nutrition labels and provide relevant information to consumers. Although food labeling helps in choosing healthy foods, there is a lack of understanding. Legal norms should establish hygienic-sanitary standards, considering the low level of understanding and reliability on the labels. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health highlights the importance of clear labeling and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) is responsible for regulation. New rules were announced in 2022, aimed at improving the legibility of labels and including information such as total and added sugars. Other countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, have also implemented nutrition labeling regulations. In the United States, the use of the Nutrition Facts Label (NFL) has been mandatory since 1990, and revised rules were released in 2016 to make information clearer.