Decoding the Five Color Marks on Packaged Food — What They Really Mean
Decoding the Five Colour Marks on Packaged Food — What They Really Mean
When you pick up a packet of chips, biscuits, or ready-to-eat noodles, have you noticed a tiny colored mark on the pack? It could be green, red, yellow, blue, or even black.
These marks are not random — they are part of India’s food labelling system and tell you important details about what’s inside. Once you know them, you can instantly decide if the food fits your diet and health needs.
1. Green Mark – 100% Vegetarian 🌱
A green dot in a square means the food is completely vegetarian — no meat, fish, eggs, or animal-based ingredients.
Best for: Vegetarians, vegans (check for dairy separately), and those avoiding animal products.
2. Red Mark – Non-Vegetarian 🍗
A red dot means the food contains meat, fish, or other animal products.
Best to avoid if you are a vegetarian or do not consume meat for religious, ethical, or health reasons.
3. Yellow Mark – Contains Eggs 🥚
A yellow dot means the food contains eggs but no meat or fish.
Useful for: People who are allergic to eggs or avoid them for dietary or religious reasons.
4. Blue Mark – Medicinal or Special Use 💊
A blue symbol means the product is meant for medicinal purposes or contains medicinal substances.
Tip: Always check the ingredients and consult a doctor if unsure.
5. Black Mark – High in Chemicals & Additives ⚠
A black mark warns of high chemical content, including preservatives, artificial flavours, and colours.
Health advice: Limit or avoid frequent consumption, especially for children.
Quick Reference Table
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Vegetarian |
| Red | Non-Vegetarian |
| Yellow | Contains Eggs |
| Blue | Medicinal Use |
| Black | High Chemical Content |
Why You Should Care About These Marks
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Protect your health — avoid high-chemical foods.
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Respect your dietary choices — spot non-veg or egg products easily.
-
Save time — make decisions without reading the entire label.
Final Tip:
These small marks are like a shortcut to healthy eating. Next time you shop, spend two seconds looking for them — your body will thank you later.
Bottom line:
Next time you go grocery shopping, give these small colour codes a quick glance. They’re like a secret language that can help you protect your health and stick to your dietary choices — all without even flipping the pack around!
