cholesterolfree

Cholesterolfree is a labeling term used to indicate that a product contains no dietary cholesterol. It is commonly found on plant-based foods and vegan products, but may appear on a range of processed foods marketed as cholesterol-free. The term is not a medical designation; it is a marketing claim that must comply with food-labeling regulations in many jurisdictions. In practice, regulators generally require that the product contains zero or negligible cholesterol per stated serving size, and that the claim is not misleading relative to the product’s overall composition. Some jurisdictions may require laboratory testing or substantiation for such claims.

Nutritional context: Cholesterol is present only in animal-derived foods, so foods labeled cholesterolfree are typically free from animal ingredients. Nevertheless, a cholesterolfree product can still be high in saturated fat, calories, sugar, or salt, and the absence of cholesterol does not automatically imply a healthier product.

Common examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and many plant-based dairy alternatives, meat substitutes, and baked goods designed to be cholesterol-free.

Marketing and interpretation: The label can help consumers manage dietary cholesterol, but it should be considered alongside total nutrition information. Some critics caution that claims like cholesterolfree may oversimplify diet quality if used in isolation.